Protea cynroides = Flowering heads/= King. Protea/= King Sugar. Bush/= Artichoke.-flower/= Reuse protea/= Indlungi/= Isiqalaba/= Isiqwane/= Grootsuikerkan/= Honey.pot.
Vergleich:
Enthält: C + N + wenig P; Siehe:
Proteaceae
[Izel Botha]
The Proteaceae
family is one of the most prominent flowering families in the southern
hemisphere. It is known to have existed 140 million years ago and is thus one
of the oldest flowering plants on earth. It is named after the Greek
mythological sea god, Proteus,25 who was said to be able to change his shape
and appearance into various animate and inanimate forms at will. Linnaeus, the
Swedish botanist, chose the name Protea because
of the great variability within the genus (Leonhardt
& Criley, 1999; Paterson-Jones, 2007). The French
botanist, Jussieu, assigned the family name Proteaceae (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999). There are about 1700 recognised species
within the family Proteaceae, 400 of which occur in
Africa of which 330 species in the south-western Cape (Paterson-Jones, 2007). Protea is a large genus with 136 species,
117 native to the African continent and 82 from South Africa (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999; Vogts, 1982). Proteaceae can be
divided into two subfamilies: Proteoideae and Grevilleoideae (Rebelo, 1995).
Proteus, the prophetic
old man of the sea, was said to rise from the flood at midday and sleep in the
shadow of the rocks of the coast, surrounded by the monsters of the deep.
Anyone who wished him to tell the future had to catch hold of him at noon. He
would change his shape at will in order to escape the necessity of prophesying,
but when he saw that he was beaten, he would resume his original form and tell
the truth, whereafter he would return to the
sea (Smith, 1867).
The amazing variety in
plant size, habit, flower size and colour of the genus Protea
was the reason it was named after the Greek god Proteus, who could change his
shape at will. The flower bud of Protea cynaroides looks remarkably like the globe artichoke
vegetable with the Latin name of Cynara scolymus and this led the botanist Linnaeus to give it the
species name cynaroides.
Protea species are found in the
winter, all-year round and summer rainfall areas, ranging from the Cape
northwards through Central Africa to East and West Africa (Paterson-Jones, 2007:
10). They are neither herbaceous nor annual, but are always woody. Their
structural habit varies from groundcover forms with creeping stems or
underground stems, to vertical shrubs and trees (Rebelo,
1995). All are united by the common characteristic of
possessing glabrous leaves with a prominent petiole or leaf stalk (Rourke, 1982). The leaves are generally large, lignified,
hard and leathery and will snap rather than fold when bent (Rebelo,
1995). Their leathery texture
allows them to withstand
the drying effects of the winds. The wind, in their natural habitat, is also
moisture laden, sometimes supplying the only water to the plant in the summer
months (Eliovson, 1983). Drought resistance
and water conservation
is thus an important feature of the leaves, and their high carbon to nitrogen
ratio renders them indigestible to most insects (Rebelo,
1995).
Protea flowers are involucres.
The flowers are composed of three fused perianth
segments enclosing three anthers, and a fourth anther in a perianth
segment that falls free when the flower opens, exposing the style with its
pollen presenter. The
style attaches to the perianth tube, terminating in
the hairy ovary. These sessile flowers are arranged in spirals on a compound
receptacle, with the youngest in the centre, and are enclosed by the coloured
bracts (Vogts, 1982). The floral biology of proteas is protandrous,
with anthesis occurring prior to the stigma becoming
The anthers release
their pollen before the stigma of the same flower is receptive (Award
Publications Limited, 2005). receptive; a mechanism to help insure cross
pollination. The large, red coloured terminal inflorescences,
long pollen presenters
and copious amounts of nectar attract pollinators (Hargreaves, et al., 2004). Pollination occurs
predominantly through Cape Sugarbirds, Promerops cafer, and
other nectar eating native birds, as well as rodents, insects - honey bee and
Great Protea Beetle, Trichostetha fascicularis -
and the wind, as proteas are incapable of self-pollination (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999; Rebelo, 2007a). After flowering, the flower-heads close up,
forming woody capsules (seed-heads) which are able to withstand fires (Moore,
2006; Paterson-Jones, 2007). The starry brown base of the seed-head remains on
the plant after the seeds are released. Protea cynaroides can yield
up to 400 fertile seeds
from each flowering head. The seeds can be sown about four to six months after
the flowers have bloomed. The mature seed remains viable for three to four
years. Proteas generally flower in the third or
fourth year from seed, but in favourable conditions Protea cynaroides has been known to flower
in the second season (Eliovson, 1983).
Proteas
can be
propagated from seed, but commercial growers usually propagate from
cuttings/known to root quickly, but rooting times are variable among species (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999).
Wu, Du Toit, Reinhardt, Rimando,
Kooy and Meyer (2007) point out that
difficult-to-root stem cuttings tend to contain higher amounts of endogenous
rooting inhibitors, e.g. rutin and tannic acid, which
delay or inhibit root formation, compared to easy-to-root stems containing high
concentrations of root promoters, e.g. catechol, chlorogenic acid, phloroglucinol
and phlorogenic acid.
Proteaceae roots show elaborate
clumping of hairy rootlets, termed proteoid roots,33
which sufficiently increase the surface area per unit length of root by 140
times (Lamont, 2003; Shane & Lambers, 2005). The proteoid roots, resembling fragments of cotton wool, develop
in the rainy season and are an auxiliary system which may double the mass of
the plant‘s permanent root structure. These roots are twice as efficient at
picking up water and nutrients as normal roots (Moore, 2006). These roots are
metabolically active, excreting carboxylates,
protons, phenolics and water. The root clusters also
secrete enzymes into the rhizosphere, enhancing the
exudation of acid phosphatase, especially when the
availability of phosphorus in the soil is low. They also enhance solubilisation
processes, promoting the release of iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese and
zinc ions from insoluble organic and inorganic forms. Toxic aluminium and
calcium ions are also released, but tend to be immobilised by carboxylates. Lastly, these roots, with their associated
rootlets and root hairs, maximise the soil-root water potential gradient
pathway
for nutrient whose
uptake is controlled by mass flow, and minimise the path length for nutrients
whose uptake is dependent on diffusion. This means that nutrient uptake is
maximised, especially in the impoverished soils where proteas normally grow (Lamont, 2003; Shane & Lambers,
2005). Relatively low concentrations of nutrients are thus required for normal
growth and the plants are effective at absorbing phosphorus from soils with low
phosphorus status (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999).
It
also follows that an excess of phosphates in the soil may prove fatal to the
plant, as the proteoid roots will absorb nutrients
indiscriminately. The same holds true for rich and poorly drained soil. Good
drainage is thus vital to wash away excess nutrient (Moore, 2006). It is
possible to induce local proteoid root formation
during a summer drought, if that part of the root system receives sufficient
water (Lamont, 2003). Most Protea species
are thus
located
in the nutrient-poor soil derived from Table Mountain sandstone.
A few species occur in
limestone and calcareous soils and a few grow in dry, shale-derived soils (Rebelo, 1995). They prefer an acidic soil, with a pH of
about 5.0 to 5.5 (Eliovson, 1983).
Members of the Proteaceae family, especially Protea cynaroides, have adapted to survive
fires by growing from large boles or rootstocks, also known as lignotubers.34
The woody lignotuber contain many dormant buds, which
are stimulated to
produce more growth after a fire has killed the aboveground parts of the plant
(Moore, 2006; Rebelo, 1995). The woody seed capsules
also protect the seeds from fire. Once the fire has burnt out, the seed-heads
will open and the wind will disperse the seeds. This survival strategy is known
as serotiny35 (Moore, 2006; Paterson-Jones, 2007).
Protea cynaroides, breath-taking in its magnificence and perfection (Eliovson, 1983: xix), has been South Africa‘s national
flower since 1976 (Eliovson, 1983; Vogts, 1982). It is also evident on the national coat of
arms, representing ...the beauty of our land and the flowering of our potential
as a nation... [It] symbolises the holistic integration of forces that grow
from the earth and are nurtured from above (Government Communication and
Information System, 2000).
The name cynaroides, like Cynaria, alludes to the similarity of the flower-head to
that of the globe artichoke, Cynaria scolymus. It is adaptable, hence its habitat is
extremely varied: it occurs from the Cedarberg in the
northwest to Grahamstown in
the east, on all mountain ranges in this area, except for the dry interior
ranges, and at all elevations, from sea level to 1500 meters high (Jamieson,
2001). Proteas has been successfully
commercially cultivated in Australia, New Zealand, the
U. S., particularly in California and Hawaii, Zimbabwe, Israel, Madeira,
Tenerife, El Salvador and Maui (Parvin, 1991). This
results in innumerable local races or variants differing in growth habit,
stature, colour, size, the structure of flower-head and flower time (Rourke, 1982). It is an upright woody shrub with large,
stiffly erect, solitary terminal flower-heads and distinctly stalked
leaves (Paterson-Jones, 2007; Rebelo,
1995). The bush is comparatively small for such a giant flower, and the
flower-heads face upwards towards the sun (Eliovson,
1983). Most plants are one metre in height when mature, but
may vary according to locality and habitat from 0.35
metres to 2 metres in height (Jamieson, 2001). Typically it is found as
scattered, solitary plants, rarely in dense clumps (Rebelo,
1995). It has short, pink, dense, velvety hairs
on the numerous involucral
bracts (Paterson-Jones, 2007; Rebelo, 1995) and the
flower-heads are between 12 and 30 centimetres in diameter with widely spaced
bracts arranged in a peak of flowers (Leonhardt &
Criley, 1999; Paterson-Jones, 2007). The colour of
the bracts varies from a creamy white to a deep crimson, but the soft pale pink
bracts with a silvery sheen are the most prized (Jamieson, 2001). Each plant
can bear 10 to 20 heads (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999).
The recommended
harvesting stage is the soft-tip stage when bracts have lost their firmness and
begin to loosen but still adheres and few insects are present, because anthesis has not yet occurred. If the flowers are picked
too early, they will not open (Leonhardt & Criley, 1999). They never wilt and die, but simply fade
from a fresh flowering head into a dried one, retaining its beauty (Eliovson, 1983).
The King Protea, as a symbol, has been in the news repeatedly since
the South African 1994 elections. There have been numerous cries for the old
springbok sports emblem, viewed as a divisive and racist symbol, to be replaced
by the Protea for all national sport teams. Most of the South
African teams complied, but the rugby team has stubbornly held onto the
springbok emblem, refusing to accept the Protea as
their badge. Hartman (2008), however points out that even the Protea could be viewed as a racist symbol in South African
rugby, as it was the symbol reserved for use of the South African coloured
rugby team under apartheid. It was this struggle around the acceptance of the Protea symbol that tweaked the interest of the researcher
to investigate the homoeopathic remedy picture of Protea cynaroides and its potential
application in the treatment of South African diseases prevalent
at this time in history.
Endemic diseases were
traditionally treated by utilising indigenous substances, particularly plants
available to the inhabitants of the area (Farooquee, Majila & Kala, 2004; Louw, Regnier & Korsten, 2002).
This, partnered
with the concept of the
Doctrine of signatures, lead to the development of the notion that Nature
provides a cure for the diseases common to the area in the plants endemic to
that area (Ball, 2007). For example, Arnica
montana
grows in mountainous
regions and is used to treat bruises and muscle strain (Atha,
2001; Foster & Johnson, 2008) and Cinchona
officinalis is found in the tropics and
contain the alkaloid37 quinine used in the treatment of
malaria, endemic to those regions
(Foster & Johnson, 2008). This notion also connects to Jung‘s theories of
the collective consciousness - that we are the product of the experiences of
our ancestors (Read, Fordham & Adler, 1960). This
is not only a European notion. African philosophy also hold the widespread
belief that Motho ke motho ka Batho - a person
is a person through other persons (Augusto, 2007). Although no literature was
available on the medicinal uses of Protea cynaroides, Protea repens has been used traditionally as an ingredient
of cough syrups (Van Wyk & Gericke,
2007). It is the researcher‘s opinion that perhaps, because of Protea cynaroides’ ancient
relationship to the African continent, it may hold the answers we need to the
medical questions prevalent on this continent.
The concept that plants are marked
with signs that indicate their purpose. It has been used for centuries in
herbal medicine to draw a correspondence between a particular plant and its
medicinal use (Foster and Johnson, 2008).
The idea is that the plant resembles the organ or the
disease, for example Chelidonium majus contains
an orange-yellow sap, indicating its use for gallbladder afflictions. It
depends on subjective analysis of the plant, including natural history,
chemical properties, taste, smell and appearance to connect the patterns
observed to the application of the plant as medicine (Wood, 1997).
A
basic nitrogenous organic compound, usually colourless with alkaline
properties, having a marked physiological effect on the nervous and circulatory
system. It serves no function in the plant kingdom, but is the active
ingredient in many herbal medicines (Foster & Johnson, 2008; Wood, 1997).
MIASMATIC THEORY AND THE AIDS. MIASM.
In order to
comprehensively discuss Protea cynaroides as a homoeopathic remedy, it would be
important to include a discussion on the miasmatic
affinity of the remedy illustrated through the proving process.
Hahnemann (1995),
through careful observation of the diseases presented by his patients, observed
that although the illnesses were removed through the administration of
medication, new diseases appear to replace those
removed. This led him to
conclude that the new disease is but a new manifestation of the old disease.
The root of the disease, termed miasm, is a
disorganisation of the vital force that could be acquired and transmitted
genetically. These are responsible for all the diseases of mankind and are the
roots of suffering (Norland, 2003b: 225). It is an
inherited predisposition to develop certain disease symptoms due to the
individual‘s susceptibility to those disease conditions (Norland,
2003b; Vithoulkas, 1998).
Based on his
observations of the diseases plaguing modern society, Sankaran
(1999) added the Typhoid, Ringworm, Malarial, Cancerinic,
Tubercular and Leprosy miasms. The Typhoid miasm lies between the Acute and Psora
miasms and is characterised by an intense struggle
against disease which will, if handled properly, result in total recovery (Sankaran, 2000: 450).
The
Ringworm and Malarial miasms lie between Psora and Sycosis. In the
Ringworm miasm periods of struggle and anxiety about
success alternating with periods of despair is observable (Sankaran,
2000). Intermittent, acute manifestations are characteristic of the Malarial miasm. These manifestations are followed by periods of
quiescence (Sankaran, 2000: 451).
ancestors (Read, Fordham
& Adler, 1960). This is not only a European notion. African philosophy also
hold the widespread belief that Motho ke motho ka Batho
- a person is a person through other persons (Augusto, 2007). Although
no literature was available on the medicinal uses of Protea cynaroides, Protea
repens has been used traditionally as an
ingredient of cough syrups (Van Wyk & Gericke, 2007). It is the researcher‘s opinion that
perhaps, because of Protea cynaroides’ ancient
relationship to the African continent, it may hold the answers we need to the
medical questions prevalent on this continent.
MIASMATIC THEORY AND THE AIDS MIASM
In order to comprehensively
discuss Protea cynaroides as
a homoeopathic remedy, it would be important to include a discussion on the miasmatic affinity of the remedy illustrated through the
proving process.
Hahnemann (1995),
through careful observation of the diseases presented by his patients, observed
that although the illnesses were removed through the administration of
medication, new diseases appear to replace those
removed. This led him to
conclude that the new disease is but a new manifestation of the old disease.
The root of the disease, termed miasm, is a
disorganisation of the vital force that could be acquired and transmitted
genetically. These are
responsible for all the diseases of mankind and are the roots of suffering (Norland, 2003b: 225). It is an inherited predisposition to
develop certain disease symptoms due to the individual‘s
susceptibility to those
disease conditions (Norland, 2003b; Vithoulkas, 1998).
In response to this
insight, Hahnemann (1995) formulated the first three miasms,
Psora, Sycosis and Syphilis,
based on the venereal and non-venereal disease patterns observed in the late
18th and early 19th centuries. The non-venereal psoric
miasm is characterised by a cutaneous
eruption, accompanied by intolerable itching (Hahnemann, 1999). Hahnemann viewed
Psora as the fundamental cause of all other diseases
(Hahnemann, 1999: 167).
The venereal miasms, Sycosis and Syphilis,
each exhibit characteristics unique to the respective miasms.
The sycotic miasm is
characterised by cauliflower-like growths where there is a hypertrophy of
tissues, whilst the
syphilitic miasm exhibits a venereal chancre and tissue destruction
(Hahnemann, 1999: 167). Where Psora is characterised
by feelings of neglect and abandonment, Sycosis
exhibits themes around attachment and Syphilis destruction (Norland,
2003b).
The acute miasm was later added by Hahnemann and described in more
detail by Kent (1995). This miasm is characterised by
an immediate instinctive response to a situation accompanied by a high fever
and a bounding pulse (Sankaran, 1999).
Based on his
observations of the diseases plaguing modern society, Sankaran
(1999) added the Typhoid, Ringworm, Malarial, Cancerinic,
Tubercular and Leprosy miasms. The Typhoid miasm lies between the Acute and Psora
miasms and is characterised by an intense struggle
against disease which will, if handled properly, result in total recovery (Sankaran, 2000: 450).
The Ringworm and
Malarial miasms lie between Psora
and Sycosis. In the Ringworm miasm
periods of struggle and anxiety about success alternating with periods of
despair is observable (Sankaran, 2000). Intermittent,
acute manifestations are characteristic of the Malarial miasm.
These manifestations are followed by periods of quiescence (Sankaran,
2000: 451).
Between Sycosis and Syphilis
lie the Tubercular, Cancerinic and Leprosy miasms. The Tubercular miasm is
characterised by a feeling of oppression coupled with a desire for change in
order to break free from the oppression.
A desire to attain perfection marks the Cancerinic miasm. This desire is
in reaction to a feeling of incapacity which results in a drive to perform
beyond the limits of one‘s capacity. The Leprosy miasm
is characterised by a
feeling of oppression, coupled with intense
hopelessness (Sankaran, 2000).
It seems that the more
modern miasmatic classifications described by Sankaran (2000) could be interpreted as an attempt to find
answers to the disease manifestations predominant in the 21st century
lifestyle. In the researcher‘s opinion, these cater for both first and third
world societies - developed and developing countries. Hahnemann, however,
strove to classify diseases into three basic categories to facilitate the
understanding of disease processes
and to assist in disease
prognosis. The addition of more miasms, however,
complicates the classification and is, in effect, counterproductive. They do
reflect the complexity of living in the 21st century globalisation, where,
especially in South Africa, a practitioner would encounter both first and third
world patients within the same practice on any given day.
Fraser (2002) observed
that many of the important themes of modern day provings
reflect the general issues of society. These provings
contain a large number of common elements, containing themes that overlap with
those that emerged from the proving of the AIDS nosode.38 This encouraged
Fraser (2002) to develop the AIDS miasm as an
expression of the disease tendency in modern society.
The
main themes of the AIDS miasm are as follows (Fraser,
2002: 73-4; Norland, 2003b: 158):
Connection - Connection with the divine and with other people, evident
in symptoms such as being sympathetic and sensitive. Connection with nature and
a feeling of expansiveness
Responsibility - Responsible for the welfare of others, especially for
children
Disconnection - A feeling of not belonging, being isolated or detached
or experiencing the need to be alone. Feelings as if in a dream or on drugs.
The individuals are slow, passive and dull, feeling rejected, betrayed
or persecuted with resultant suspicion and loss of identity
Indifference - Feelings of apathy, despair, selfishness and cruelty
Dispersion - Sensation of things coming out, of growth. Themes of water,
waves, thirst and dryness, of circles and clouds. A sensation of lack of substance,
emptiness, floating and flying; of hearing music or of
travelling through space. Also thoughts of travel, but rushing around
Instability - Oversensitivity to all stimuli and childishness. Themes of
chaos and order and the loss of structure
Extremes - Themes of tallness, nobility, strength and hardness, excess
and extravagance and changes in appetite
Confusion - Confusion of senses, vanishing of thoughts, forgetfulness,
confusion of identity, confusion about time, confusion about words with difficulty
concentrating
Femininisation - Feminine themes of left
sidedness, motherhood and pregnancy and sexuality
Vulnerability - Images of babies and children, danger and violence,
rape, abuse, fear and paranoia. There is a need for privacy and secrecy. They
feel trapped, fragile, weak and dependent, as if they can‘t cope.
The opposite is also true with feelings of invulnerability and
recklessness
Discontent - They feel restless, frustrated and irritable. They are
easily offended, reacting violently with a desire to kill
Infection - Symptoms like influenza, coupled with themes of dirt, worms
and vermin. They feel contaminated or fear that they will contaminate others
Confidence - Lack of confidence, where they feel old, ugly and shy.
There are feelings of shame and humiliation, resulting in self hatred and self
harm. On the other side there is confidence where they feel relaxed,
serene, content and elated
Boundaries and Obstruction - Obstruction of senses with images of
houses, portals and death. There are issues around the skin and touch. There is
also a loss of protection or shell or wall, leaving them feeling exposed
Childhood - Thoughts of a remembered childhood and feelings of
playfulness
Dream themes - Themes of houses (ornate or ramshackle), staircases,
teeth, snow, septic state, children, transport, travelling, wood, metal and
water. The colour red is prominent. Themes of violence, with feelings of
panic, responsibility, anger, irritability, fear, rushing and of being
busy
A comparison of the materia medica of Protea cynaroides and
the common themes listed above would reveal whether the remedy falls within
these parameters. It would give an indication whether Fraser‘s (2002)
observations are globally applicable or only evident in the developed countries
his observations were based on.
CONCLUSION
It would appear that
different researchers advocate the use of different methodologies, be it to
make it easier to have compliance by participants or because of the type of
symptoms yielded. A summary of the main points of each of the methodologies can
be seen in Table 1. Most of the authors agree, though, that it is important to
describe the source of the remedy as meticulously as possible, for that would
ensure strict standards for the remedy‘s manufacture and ensure the
reproducibility of the trial.
Dantas (1996) highlights
possible difficulties that may be encountered when conducting homoeopathic
pathogenic trials. He cites the truthfulness, trustworthiness and
conscientiousness of the provers, the purity and
power of the medicine, individual differences between participants, diet and
lifestyle of the provers and supervision of the
subjects as possible stumbling blocks. This study aimed to be cognisant of
these factors and to address possible pitfalls in the methodologies which may
precipitate the collection of inaccurate data and to minimise such factors.
In
studying these different methodologies, the researcher concluded that there is
a need to validate the claims made by each of the developers of the different
methodologies. No in-depth studies encompassing all methodologies
are
available, and the claim made by each advocate is based on experience in one
methodology alone. There seems to be a great variation within the
methodologies, for even the dose and potency of the remedies administered vary.
It is therefore important to establish a baseline for comparing the
methodologies, so as to minimise the variables, while still adhering to the
basic principles stipulated within each of the methodologies.
According
to Anthroposophical medicine,41 the predominance of
one feature of a plant represents the creative structural principle (Husemann & Wolf, 1982: 323), which signifies the
plant‘s use as a medicinal plant.
The Mappa mundi map of Protea cynaroides is presented in Figure 4. From the map,
it is evident that the main themes of Protea cynaroides revolve around the
polarities of holding on or letting go presented on the open and
closed axis primarily
and of being connected versus feeling cut off, presented on the spirit, life
and death axis secondarily.
The
materia medica of Protea cynaroides is
presented in the paragraphs below and serves as an explanation of the data
presented in Figure 3. Every effort was made to retain the individual
expressions of the various provers.
The
main areas focused on in the presentation are the mental and emotional
symptoms, the general symptoms and the physical symptoms.
Hot
Burning pain
Heat in head
Ascending hot flushes
Hot breath
> Exposure to
sun
Chest pains in heart and
mammae
Heart symptoms and
palpitations
Inflammation
Sweet taste
Desire sweets, berries
and chocolate
Sexual desire and libido
increased
Eyes and vision symptoms
Gratitude
Heroic dreams
Dreams of pregnancy
Spiritual
dreams
Cold & dry
Withdrawn and closed
Aversion to company
Solitude >
Detached and dissociated
Feel spaced out and
drugged
Heaviness
Constipation
Cramping, squeezing
pains
Constriction in chest
Oppression in chest
Desire fresh air
External pressure
ameliorates
Warmth ameliorates
Borborygmy
Resentful and brooding
Introspective
Hot & wet
Back pain ameliorated by
stretching
Skeletal muscle
afflictions
Nervous afflictions
Sociable
Loneliness ameliorated
by company
Consolation ameliorates
Dreams of friends and
journeys
Sensitive to all
impressions
Laughing over serious
matters
Childish
Bladder inflammation and
dysuria
Restlessness
Energised
Curious
Cheerful
Innocent
Restless extremities
Heat in extremities
Haemorrhaging
Congestion >
discharge
Diarrhoea
Bursting
headache
Cold
Fear of death and
awareness of danger
Indifference
Alienation, forsaken
Suicidal despair
Suffocation and coughing
Fear of death, evil and
the devil
Lung afflictions
Influenza
Cold and noise
aggravates
Warmth ameliorates
Hearing and smell
symptoms
Lack of response
Anxiety with
palpitations
Dreams
of danger, of being attacked and of violence
Mental/emotional
Evolution of the consciousness
of Protea cynaroides which
revolves around the struggle to survive.
AETIOLOGY: DANGER AND
SURVIVAL
Danger from water,
drowning
Everyone knows what to
expect, but doesn‘t talk about it, dangerous if you talk about it or are in the
wrong place at the wrong time
Protective mechanism:
Care only for your own survival, ignore threat if it doesn‘t affect you
directly
Avoid danger
Deception
Threatened by those more
powerful
Struggle to survive -
they will kill me and eat me
Pursued
Raped
Murder
Tension and danger
Robbers, muggers
Flight or fight
Attack first, else flee,
because they are more powerful and protected
Sudden attack
STAGE 1
AWARENESS:
Awareness of one‘s surroundings, absorbing all the information the
senses are bombarded with. There is a strong connection to the family or group
and the softness and vulnerability is evident, but there is
someone else to take care of all the needs.
SENSES SENSITIVE:
Alert to any danger which may be approaching
All my senses are heightened
Optimum ability to be alert in any situation
Instinct heightened
Awake and aware - like after a very strong coffee
Allergies to dust, mould
ABSORB EVERYTHING
Very large appetite - wanting to eat constantly
Intense, almost unquenchable thirst, for cold water, dinking a large
volume every time
If I put down the one cup, I wanted to drink another cup Accompanied by
a decreased urge to urinate
No boundaries
CONNECTION: GROUP OR
FAMILY
Connectedness to everything, attachment and a need to connect to
something bigger
compassionate
family/tribe
Many childhood memories: memories of dead relatives, ex-boyfriends
Feel loving, motherly, nurturing
Romance
Thoughts of children, babies, newborn babies still with the umbilical
cords attached
Great feeling of unity & of oneness with the group and seeking to
unite the members of this group
Cannot let go - need each other.
Dependent
Feeling of being at home
Peaceful
Desire to communicate
Very aware of time
Strength and energy from the group
Desire honesty
Desire company of partner, family - unconditional love
HAPPINESS
Childlike
Playing, playful
Laughing
No responsibility
SOFTNESS &
VULNERABILITY
Want it to be soft, so as not to harm the substance
Sensitive, delicate
Light
Gentle and kind and loving
Thinness: lace, silk - fragile, like broken eggshells
Timid
Weak and vulnerability
Need of nurturing, protection, care
TRANSITION
There is a realisation that all is not as it seems and that there is
danger threatening survival.
ANXIETY
Not knowing what is going on around me frightens me
Standing by my conviction, not being perfect, not doing what is expected
of you would result in out casting, abandonment
Going against the rhythm of nature.
Exam tension and what if I don‘t know the answer, anxiety about being
watched
Anticipating some danger or disease
Adrenaline rush and panic attack
Sensed something is wrong, insecure
Anxiety about what others are thinking, Don‘t want to care - but if I don‘t,
people really won‘t like me!
STAGE 2
The anxiety about
survival results in the hypertrophy of the ego in an effort to ensure survival.
The rules of the group are restrictive and through disobedience one runs the
risk of being cast out of the group. The desire to
express the
individuality leads to irritability and aggression whenever it is restricted.
The expression is however possible due to the restless energy generated by the
desire to stand and fight for acknowledgement of self.
RESTRICTION
Restricted and constricted by rules. Cannot do what I want.
Want to be free, desire to escape: Although if I was meant to die I
would embrace it, but not be caged up and have my freedom taken away. Death is better
than torture. I am a survivor, I will escape, I don‘t need anyone
to like or help me
Trapped/captive
Outcast / Lonely / Isolation
Restless, > activity
Rebellious - Desire to survive alone, following no rules, childlike
anger
Desire independence: I feel I‘ve given so much all my life, is it too
much to expect a little in return
Suppressed emotion: I couldn‘t like let go, experience like this whole
like emotion completely and fully because I was like aware of the other people
that were in the lab and it was like ‗come on now, don‘t start a
scene,
don‘t make a scene, don‘t cause a scene‘
Multiple personalities, it was the struggling, the conflict between like
who I know myself to be and this person like now I have become
Aversion to company, want to be left alone
IRRITABILITY
Annoyed, frustration
Irritated by dependence: So sick of being dependant on a bunch of
useless selfish losers
Irritability when misunderstood
Irritated by noise, hunger, lack of organisation
Irritability about time - it goes too slowly
Irritated when things does not go her way, as planned, as supposed to
be, not what she wanted to do, lies, when things are out of her control
Ameliorated by sex, company of partner, exercise, activity
Aggravated by people making demands, people preventing her from doing
what she wants to do, having too much to do
Irritated when people show no gratitude for what she has done
AGGRESSION
Fighting and winning
Attack first, else flee, because they are more powerful and protected
No, everyone‘s going to attack me. I‘m going to kill them!
Aggressive due to impatience, contradiction
Hate, hostile
Childlike anger
Desire to bang and to break, to chop, to hit, to beat, kick, smash and
to scream.
I have to bang, I have to like beat, I have to like hit so that I can
release, there is like too much of like energy, too much of like emotion that
is like within and it like has to come out
Road rage: On my drive there I wanted to take out another car, because
they were racing me and they beat me because someone slowed down in front of
me/why are they allowed the license if they don‘t drive properly
Put on a brave front but feeling insecure and scared inside
Anger at world and restriction
EGO
I am here I exist.
Ego is stronger - My ego is strengthened and I am destined for greater
things the world has to change, and I will make myself part of that change Did
not meet my standards. Loved feeling like I was in the spotlight.
I didn‘t care to listen because it had nothing to do with me
I‘m right, you‘re wrong
Creative - artistic. Making a master piece. Potential to do great
things.
Feeling of being in control, powerful: Inner power, inner strength that
was inside. Inner courage and motivation. win against all odds
Celebrating your own uniqueness
Hero: Sense of pride, belonging, victory, strength/ boldness, diversity.
Independence: I must survive on my own. I don‘t need anyone. I am a
survivor, I will escape, I don‘t need anyone to like help me, i can do it on my own So independent. Like I did not need
anybody
I‘m going to do it my way. Just get over it. Do your thing I do my
thing. I was happy although I was doing the injustice by getting two guys to
propose to me, but if someone else did it I was very angry. I‘ve put
everything into place and that‘s how it‘s gonna
be. Who cares if there is no order, if I do it my way? At point it‘s when I
don‘t want people around me, because they‘re, they‘re a pain and they‘re
stopping me from doing things.
Confidence: would do it all the same if it happened again, no regrets. I
have the ability to tell people exactly how I feel, and not worry about the
reaction. I felt that I had every right to be that angry. I prefer to work
alone because nobody can keep up.
Competitive. I didn‘t ever... like if someone was talking, like... I
have to get my story in. I‘ll wait my turn but I want to get my story in. I was
so upset that they could not see it from my perspective. dreamt that I was
participating in a competition and that I had to do some obstacles in order to
win but I then told them to make it more difficult as the obstacles were too
easy...
ENERGY AND RESTLESSNESS
Restlessness: internal restless energy
Clumsy and hyperactive. It feels like I‘ve had 3 cups of very strong
coffee!
An energy rush comes upwards like a kind of sexual energy
Vigour
Imagine different colours of energy frequencies leaving the bowl. Almost
like lightning. Electric! Mostly red. An impatience of the energy of the remedy
to burst forth. And then I just felt like I was this generator of energy. The
charger of life for myself. My own life support.
Can you isolate a force from energy? There is no force without energy.
Energy is there, it moves because of energy operating.
Anger, was an energised depression
All the fighting does not remove the danger. The constant vigilance
results in exhaustion. In an attempt to protect oneself, a hard protective
exterior is projected over the natural softness resulting in a disconnection from
everyone and everything. This pushes the individual to the other extreme, away
from the connectiveness into total detachment.
TIRED / EXHAUSTED
Physically exhausted and feeling frustrated:what
a waste of time
wanting to fight tiredness but no energy to do so
Felt weak, like all my energy had drained out
Mentally exhausted: it‘s like I‘ve blown a gasket or something That‘s
how I feel, like an overworked mother or sleep deprived person.
Woke up exhausted, want more sleep
Don‘t have the energy to move.
DETACHED
Disoriented.
Distant, Detached (and at ease)/Feeling detached from body In my own
world, Want to be in my own space There was a little wall between us the whole
time
Dream: One of them was a
picture of 4 rows of trees. The middle 2 rows were close together, indicating
that the child had formed a close relationship with someone. The distance
between the outer rows of trees + the inner,
showed that the child
was distancing himself from his other family members & they were
complaining about this to the social worker.
Spaced out: Floaty, dazed, zoning out, Feel dazed - as if in
drug-induced state, unfocused, distant from everything Detached,
dreamlike state.
Everything is fuzzy and I‘m fading away not focused. Sort of like head in the
clouds kind of thing. not in tune with what I‘m supposed to be doing. I didn‘t
feel like I was really in there, like it was really going
right. Feel like I am
running into a big cloud! It‘s like the lights are on and no-one is there.
Disconnected: I feel very
emotionally cut off and quite short, I didn‘t feel sad, or emotionally involved
at all. Don‘t want to talk you just needed to stay there, don‘t like come close
to me and it‘s so weird, I know. And like I
felt like more that they
needed me and when they left I felt like no, I don‘t need anything Finding it
difficult to connect just lost track of what I‘m doing - feel like I‘m in a
trance. little interest or care to anything surrounding.
I kind of would switch
off what I was doing
Existence: I did not exist
as if my emotions are taken over by another person
Indifference: Want to be
a cold being, nothing can shake me I am indifferent
Hard hearted: And I
literally could have shot him, and not felt anything. Stopped loving
Destructive, as in disconnected
Dream: My first dream
just came back to me. I didn‘t like this dream because we had found my sister
lying in a parking lot in this massive oil spill. She had been stabbed in the
abdomen. My mom decided we had to get rid
of the body because else
we would get blamed for killing her. I noticed that my sister started moving
and wasn‘t dead. She died in my arms. My mom stayed emotionless throughout and
was only concerned with disposing
of the body.
Forgetful: I felt like brain
dead, like ditsy, I forgot things like all the time can‘t keep track of what
I‘m thinking If I need to do anything I have to write it down, or make a to do
Lost track of time:
Where am I, what‘s going on, what number are we on, am I grinding. I feel
slowed up and stupid
Loneliness not in tune
with what I‘m supposed to be doing. I didn‘t feel like I was really in there,
like it was really going right
Difficulty
concentrating: I find it hard to focus, I can‘t concentrate. It‘s as though my
mind has been covered by something that prevents it from communicating with
what my eyes see. My concentration levels today were very low!!! I don‘t even
register if people are talking to me.
Disorganised: I feel
very muddled and all over the place!
HARDNESS
Protection: I have been
nervous about his arrival all week, cause I didn‘t want to get too attached to
him, but I found that I was quite hard, and cut off I see an image of an
ostrich egg in my mortal. The hard shell, its durability fascinates me. It
feels safe, protective.
Strength
Defence
STAGE 4
During the introspection
brought on by the detachment in stage three, universal questions arise as to
balance in an attempt to reconnect with family and friends. This results in
feelings of resignation and acceptance of fate.
There is sadness in the
loss of the individual expression but a realisation that in embracing the finer
things in life communication can be re-established. There is remorse over past
behaviour.
BALANCE
How do I balance life?
Either I was super happy with like everything and who I was in the
world, or I absolutely loathed everything and who I was in the world. And there
was no in-between
Order and pattern versus chaos and mess
brings reality into this illusion
I want to sway and be free. Swirl or move but stay in one spot and well
grounded.
CALMNESS AND RESIGNATION
Calm and at peace with yourself and who you are: You might not live life
as everyone else expects you but do live life as life expects you and you
expect from yourself. And then in every situation choose the best option
available for yourself. And then I felt this calm Out of the dark - having this
knowledge about yourself. Don‘t allow your mind to be the battle field of
negative thoughts. No positive image will ever come out. You are
your own friend and you are your own enemy. And then I felt more
connection with my soul.
Resignation: felt like I was being pushed and pulled like a wave in the
sea. Feel calm. My childhood is sort of gone now, it‘s way back then. And it
was, it wasn‘t like a bad thing necessarily, it was just a bit sad, like rite
of passage, change you, you your phase. And then I was also thinking
about things you have to do as an adult, which you take for granted when you‘re
young and you‘ve got parents who do it for you and you‘ve got all of
it to do by yourself.
Keep it simple. Focus on the essential. Secret lies in the small things.
I feel less internal drive as if things are softer somehow.
Ability to cope on hearing bad news as if prepared for bad news. Facing
your troubles instead of avoiding the darkness and the effort.
Seeing through the lie and making your own mind up about what the truth
is. I don‘t want to be in the dark. I don‘t want to be kept in the dark. I want
to know what is happening. Knowledge is powerful for me. You have to know. It
is vital to know.
I feel less internal drive as if things are softer somehow.
Repertory:
Mind: Absentminded (dreamy)
Absorbed
Activity [desires it
(creative]
Affectionate
Alert
Ambition increased
(competitive)
Anger (from
contradiction/when misunderstood/when things wanted are refused)
Antagonism with herself
Anxiety [about own
family (their safety)/about future/about (own’s)
health/with impeded respiration/sudden]/Fear [losing control/of death/with
desire to escape/something will happen (to his family)/of insanity/of
snakes/sudden]
Ardent
Art - ability for
Awareness heightened
Awkward
Beautiful things -
awareness of; heightened
Benevolence
Change - aversion to/desires it
Chaotic
Cheerful
Childish behaviour
Clarity of mind
Colors - desires them
Company - aversion to
[desire for solitude/yet fear of being alone/aversion to the presence of
strangers]/desires company (of children)
Concentration difficult
Confidence - want of
self confidence/confident
Confusion [as to his
identity (sense of duality)/as to time]
Conscientious
> Consolation
Content (with himself)
Courageous
Dancing
Danger - awareness of;
heightened
Delusions - ants (bed is
full of ants)/is not appreciated/being attacked/sees (billowy)
clouds/impression of danger/being double/of emptiness/enlarged (parts of
body)/evil/he doubted his own existence/floating on closing eyes/ unwanted by friends/sees
insects/is misunderstood/hearing music/is an outcast/is trapped/
has no weight
Depersonalization
Despair
Destructiveness
Detached
Determined
Dissociation from
environment
“As if in a dream”/”As
if had taken drugs”/”As if heavy”/”As if has 2 wills”
Dullness
Duty - performs in a
perfunctory manner
Dwells on past
disagreeable occurrences
Feels at ease
Egotism
Energized feeling
Ennui
Escape, attempts to
Excitement
Exertion - physical
>/desires it (in open air)
Fastidious
Fight- wants to
Forgetful
Forsaken feeling
(sensation of isolation)
Gratitude
Hatred (and revengeful)
Haughty
Heedlees
Helpless
High spirited
Hurry
Impatience
Impulse morbid (to stab
others)
Inconstancy
Indifference
Indignation
Injustice, cannot
support it
Insecure mental
Introspection
Irrational
Irritability (from
noise/from trifles)
Jealousy
Jewellery - desires to
wear it
Kill; desire to (with a
knife)
Laughing (over serious
matters)
Laziness (with
sleepiness)
Learning - desire for
Libertinism
Love - feelings of
coming towards her and from her
Memory - active/weakness
Mental power increased
Mildness
Mischievous
Mistakes; making
(spelling/writing)
Mood changeable
Morose
Nature - loves it
Occupation - >/desire
to
Offended easily
Playful/desires to play
Positiveness
Power - sensation of
Prostration of mind
Protected feeling
Purity - desire for
Rage
Reading <
Rebellious
Reproaching oneself
Resignation
Restlessness (>
motion)
Sadness
> Seaside
Self control increased
Selfish
Senses acute
Sensitive (to all
external impressions/to noise/to opinions of others/passage of time)
Sentimental
Shrieking (feels as
though she must shriek)
Spaced out feeling
Speech - repeats same
thing
Spirals - at awe
Spirituality
Striking (desires to
strike)
Suicidal disposition
Suspicious
Sympathetic
Taciturn
Talking - desire to talk
to someone/in sleep
< Thinking
Thoughts -
disagreeable/of the future/os the
past/profound/rushing/sexual/thoughtful/two trains of
thought/vacant/vanishing/wandering
Time - appears shorter,
passes too quickly/appears longer, passes too slowly
Timidity
Trance
Tranquillity (settled,
centred and grounded)
Trifles seem important
Desire for truthfulness
Unconsciousness -
automatic conduct/trance
Unfortunate - feels it
Sensation of unification
Violent
Weeping (desire to weep)
Wilderness - desires
Writes indistinctly
Vertigo: Looking downward
< Motion/< rising
+ nausea
Head: Congestions
Eruption [pimples (on occiput)]
Formication
Heat (in occiput)
Heaviness (# clearness
of mind)
Itching of scalp
“As if light”
Pain [+
nausea/aching/bursting/dull/ext. back/in eyes/in forehead/< motion/< noise/occiput (ahing)/pressing (“As
from a band”/outward)/> pressure/pulsating/stitching/< sun/temples
(l./r./ext. vertexpulsating)/
In vertex/on waking]
Perspiration of scalp
(forehead)
“As if pulled backward”
Tingling
Eyes: Closing the eyes -
desires it/involuntary/must close them
Red
Dryness
Heaviness (lids)
Iching (l./r.)
Lachrymation (r./sensation of)
Pain (burning)
Hearing: Impaired (for the
human voice)
Face: Clenched jaw
Dark/red (with heat)
Eruptions (pimples)
Lips dry
Heat
Itching (l./chin/forehead)
Pain (aching/above
eyes/jaws/pressing)
Perspiration
Tingling < warm room
Nose: Congestion (sinuses)
Coryza (l./r./bloody/with
discharge/postnasal)
Discharge [bloody
(blowing the nose)/clear/thick/watery/white/yellow]
Dry (inside)
Obstruction (+ hay fever)
Odours; imaginary and
real (something burning/flowers/putrid/of smoke/sweetish/tobacco)
Pain (burning/sinuses)
Sneezing [with asthma/in
hay fever/ineffectual efforts/(prolonged) paroxysms/urging]
Smell: Acute
(burning/flowers/perfumes/sweets/tobacco/unpleasant)
Mouth: Dry (“As if dry”/thirstless/with thirst)
Eruptions
Salivation (profuse)
Taste - metallic/sour
Teeth: Grinding (< during
sleep)
Pain in lower teeth
Throat: Catarrh
Choking (“As if
choking”)
Dry
Itching
Lump
Mucus
Pain (r./burning/<
cold/with dryness/”As from something sharp”/sore/stinging/stitching/<
swallowing/> warm drinks/> warmth)
Swallow - constant
disposed to
Thick sensation
External throat: Constriction
Pain
Stomach: Appetite -
capricious/diminished with thirst (in daytime/with thirst)/increased (morning)
Eructations
Nausea (+ eructations/after coffee/during eructations/ext.
throat/during heat/looking down/< motion/in throat/in waves)
Vomiting
Pain [cramping/in epigastrium (< after eating)/gnawing]
Thirst (+ dry
lips/during headache/for large quantities/unquenchable)/thirstless
Abdomen: Distension
(constipation/after eating)
Flatulence
Gurgling
Pain [burning/cramping
(before diarrea)/< after eating/(r.) hypogastrium/< motion/> pressure/stitching/> after
stool/(cramping) before stool/region of umbilicus (> pressure)]
Rumbling
Rectum: Constipation (>
drinking)
Diarrhea (morning/sudden)
Flatus
„As if a lump“
Pain - tenesmus
Straining/urging
Stool forcible, sudden,
gushing (like an explosion)
Stool: Like
balls/hard/mucous/offensive/watery (yellow)
Bladder: Inflamed
Urination - dysuria/frequent/seldom/urging absent
Kidneys: Pain
Urethra: Pain - burning/ <
after urination
Urine: yellow - dark/copious
Male organs: Sexual desire
increased
Female organs: “As if menses would
appear”
Menses -
copious/dark/scanty/too short (2 days)
Pain (bearing down)
Sexual desire increased
Respiration: Asthmatic
Deep (desire to breathe)
Difficult (with
heat/inspiration/“As if water in lungs“/on waking
Hot breath (sensation as
if)
Snoring
Suffocation; attacks of
Cough: >
drinking/dry/loose/fromoppression in chest
Expectoration: Difficult/yellow
Chest: Constriction (“As from
a band”)
Eruptions
Itching (axillae/mammae)
Oppression (< during
cough/< inspiration)
Pain
[l./r./burning/contracting/cutting/gnawing/heart/< inspiration/in mammae (sore)]
Palpitation of heart
(with anxiety)
Back: Eruption
(painful/pimples)
Heat
Itching [in dorsal
region scapulae/between shoulders]
Pain [aching/cervical
region (ext. to temles)/in dorsal region (scapulae/between
shoulders)/lumbar region/> rubbing/> sitting erect/sore/>
straightening up the back]
Perspiration
Tension [cervical region
(nape of the neck)]
Weakness (lumbar)
Extremities: Awkwardness/incoordination
Coldness
Cramps (in nates)
Eruptions
Formication (evening/upper limbs)
Heat [feet
(burning/uncovering)]
Itching
[ankle/fingers/forearm (r.)/hands/legs/lower limbs/>
scratching/shoulders/upper limbs (l./> scratching)]
Jerking (legs/lower
limbs)
Motion
(involuntary/irregular)
Numbness
Pain [aching/dull/feet
(burning)/fingers/hands/hips/joints knees/legs (calves)/lower
limb/rheumatic/> rubbing/shoulders/sore/upper limbs (sore)/wrists]
Sleep: Deep
Disturbed (by the
slightest noise/by dreams/by thoughts)
Restless (from bodily
restlessness)
Sleepiness
(afternoon/< after eating/opening eyes difficult/with
heaviness/overpowering)
Sleepless (from
pain/from restlessness/from slight noise)
Unrefreshed (morning)
Waking too early
Yawning
Dreams: Anger/(talking)
animals/anxious/arguments/arrested for murder/being attacked/birds/being bitten
(by animals)/blood/breathing under water/old boyfriend/(about) rescuing
children/churches/colored/competition/confused/crime
(concealment of/had committed a crime/danger/of the dead/difficulties/(own)
disease/distorted images/dogs/drowning/eating (chocolate)/embarrassment/own
family/fights/fish (people who are fish)/flood/flying/food/(old)
friends/guilt/helpless feeling/being a
hero/horrible/house/imprisonment/injustice/journeys/beautiful
landscape/lecture/lucid/many/monsters/being a
murderer/mutilation/nightmares/being obese/pregnant (being/friend is)/taken
prisoner/pursued/rape/relationships/robbers/robbing/running/sea/searching/sexual
(violence)/sick people/snakes/spiritual/supernatural things/has committed a theft/unpleasant/unremembered/violence/vivid/watching
herself from above/water (danger in water/dirty)/; from danger/waves (huge wave
approaching)
Fever: with chilliness
Internal heat (while
body feels cold to the touch)
Perspiration: Cold/profuse
Skin: Dry
Eruptions [> cold
applications/pimples (painful)/rash]
Formication
Itching (l./r.)
Generals: l. then r.
r. then l.
> in open air/desire
for open air/”As if a draft”/desires cold air
Symptoms
ascending/complaints appearing suddenly
Clothing intolerant
< becoming cold
Energy - sensation
of/sensation of expansion/
Desires to be fannedsensation of falling
> eructations
Food and drinks:
Desires: alcoholic
drinks/berries/bread/cheese/cherries/chicken/chocolate/coca cola/cold drink,
cold water (without thirst)/(cold/healthy/rich) food/fish/(red/strawberries)
fruit/ice cream/milk/olives/peanut butter/spicy Indian
pickles/spices/sugar/sushi/sweets/vegetables/water/wine/tobacco;
>: coffee; <:
bread; Aversiont to: fat/rich food
Formication
Sensation “As if from a
hangover”
Flushes of heat
(extending upward/with palpitatios”)/”As if
heat”/heat in waves
Heaviness
Inflamed joints
Influenza
Lassitude
< looking downward
Loss of fluids
Motion from affected
part <
Pain (aching/growing
pains/burning)
> Pressure
Restlessness
> scratching with
hands
< from loss of sleep
Strength, sensation of
Stretching out (>)
> exposure to the sun
Vigor
> warmth (bathing)
Wavelike sensations
Weakness (with headache/muscular)
Weariness
COMPARISON OF PROTEA CYNAROIDES THEMES TO THAT OF
THE AIDS MIASM
Table 19
Comparison Between the
AIDS Miasm Themes and the Themes of Protea cynaroides Theme
|
AIDS Miasm |
Protea cynaroides
|
Connection |
√ |
√ |
Responsibility |
√ |
√ |
Disconnection |
√ |
√ |
Indifference |
√ |
√ |
Dispersion |
√ |
√ |
Instability |
√ |
√ |
Extremes |
√ |
√ |
Confusion |
√ |
√ |
Femininisation |
√ |
√ |
Vulnerability |
√ |
√ |
Connection
MIND - Benevolence
MIND - Depersonalization
MIND - Sensitive
MIND - Sentimental
MIND - Sympathetic
MIND - Unification - desire for
MIND - Unification - sensation of unification
Responsibility
MIND - Conscientious
MIND - Anxiety - family; about his
MIND - Anxiety - family; about his - safety of family; for
MIND - Company - desire for -
children; of
Disconnection
DREAMS - Pursued
MIND - Company - aversion to
MIND - Company - aversion to - desire for solitude
MIND - Confusion - identity; as to his
MIND - Delusions - friends - unwanted by friends
MIND - Detached
MIND - Drugs - taken drugs; as if one had
MIND - Spaced - out feeling
MIND - Trance
Disconnection
DREAMS - Pursued
MIND - Company - aversion to
MIND - Company - aversion to - desire for solitude
MIND - Confusion - identity; as to his
MIND - Delusions - friends - unwanted by friends
MIND - Detached
MIND - Drugs - taken drugs; as if one had
MIND - Spaced - out feeling
MIND - Trance
Indifference
MIND - Despair
MIND - Ennui
MIND - Selfish
Dispersion
DREAMS - Flying
DREAMS - Journeys
DREAMS - Water
DREAMS - Water - danger - in water; from danger
DREAMS - Waves
DREAMS - Waves - huge wave approaching
MIND - Delusions - clouds - sees
MIND - Delusions - floating - closing eyes, on
MIND - Delusions - music - hearing music
MIND - Delusions - weight - no weight; has
MIND - Spirals - awe at
STOMACH - Thirst
STOMACH - Thirst - accompanied by - lips; dryness of
STOMACH - Thirst - large quantities for
STOMACH - Thirst - unquenchable
Instability
MIND - Chaotic
MIND - Childish behaviour
MIND - Sensitive - external impressions, to all
Extremes
DREAMS - Distorted - images
MIND - Ambition - increased
MIND - Delusions - enlarged - parts of body
MIND - Power - sensation of
STOMACH - Appetite - increased appetite
Confusion
MIND - Concentration - difficult
MIND - Confusion
MIND - Confusion - identity; as to his
MIND - Confusion - identity; as to his - duality, sense of
MIND - Confusion - time; as to
MIND - Mistakes; making
MIND - Mistakes; making - spelling errors
MIND - Mistakes; making - writing - repeating words
Instability
MIND - Chaotic
MIND - Childish behaviour
MIND - Sensitive - external impressions, to all
Extremes
DREAMS - Distorted - images
MIND - Ambition - increased
MIND - Delusions - enlarged - parts of body
MIND - Power - sensation of
STOMACH - Appetite - increased appetite
Confusion
MIND - Concentration - difficult
MIND - Confusion
MIND - Confusion - identity; as to his
MIND - Confusion - identity; as to his - duality, sense of
MIND - Confusion - time; as to
MIND - Mistakes; making
MIND - Mistakes; making - spelling errors
MIND - Mistakes; making - writing - repeating words
Femininisation
CHEST - Pain - left
DREAMS - Pregnant - being
DREAMS - Pregnant - friend is; her
DREAMS - Sexual
EAR - Pain - left
EYE - Itching - left
FEMALE ORGANS - Sexual desire - increased
GENERALS - Side - left - then right side
HEAD - Pain - temples - left
NOSE - Coryza - left
SKIN - Itching - left
Vulnerability
DREAMS - Children; about
DREAMS - Children; about - rescuing; of
DREAMS - Danger
DREAMS - Violence
GENERALS - Weakness
MIND - Delusions - trapped; he is
MIND - Heedless
MIND - Power - sensation of
MIND - Suspicious
Discontent
MIND - Anger (from contradiction/when misunderstood/when things he wants
are refused)
MIND - Discontented
MIND - Irritability (from noise/from trifles)
MIND - Kill; desire to (with a knife)
MIND - Restlessness (> motion)
Infection
DREAMS - Disease - own disease, his
DREAMS - Water - dirty
GENERALS - Influenza
Confidence
MIND - Confidence - want of self confidence
MIND - Confident
MIND - Content
MIND - Content - himself, with
MIND - Reproaching oneself
MIND - Suicidal disposition
Boundaries and
obstruction
DREAMS - House
MIND - Delusions - attacked; being
MIND - Helplessness
SKIN - Sensitiveness (to touch)
Childhood
MIND - Company - desire for - children; of
MIND - Playing (desire to play)
MIND - Thoughts of thepast
Dream themes
DREAMS - Anger
DREAMS - Children; about (of rescuing)
DREAMS - Disease
DREAMS - House
DREAMS - Journeys
DREAMS - Violence
DREAMS - Water
DREAMS - Water - danger - in water; from danger
DREAMS - Water - dirty
From the data presented,
it is evident that a strong link exists between the proving symptoms elicited
in the Protea cynaroides proving
and those belonging to the AIDS miasm. The
implication of this will be discussed in the following chapter.
CONCLUSION
The hypotheses tested
were firstly dealt with the reproducibility of proving symptoms, striving to
prove that symptoms produced in consecutive years while applying the same
methodology are comparable, secondly that
different methodologies
yield different numbers, types and quality of symptoms, thirdly that
differences exist between the symptoms yielded by the placebo and the verum groups within the same methodology and lastly that
it is possible to
develop an integrated methodology based on the relative effectiveness of the
proving methodologies.
The reproducibility of
symptoms were the highest in Groups one (C4 methodology) and three (Dream
methodology). It was noted, however, that the congruency observed in the Dream
proving methodology group was due to
the low number of
symptoms elicited through its application. It is thus evident that the C4 and Sherr methodologies are the most reproducible based on
rubric presence, as opposed to Group 3, the Dream proving methodology, where
the high level of similarity lies in the absence of rubrics.
From the data, it was
evident that the different methodologies did in fact yield different numbers,
types and quality of symptoms. The methodologies that yielded the most rubrics
are the C4 trituration and the Sherr
proving methodologies. Not only do they yield a large number of rubrics, but
they also yield a much larger number of rubrics than produced by the placebo
portion of the Sherr proving methodology. In the
Dream proving methodology group there is much less rubrics present at each
rubric level than yielded by the C4 trituration and
the Sherr proving methodologies. The relative
effectiveness of the three methodologies in producing symptoms are discussed in
Chapter 5, as well as their affinity for producing symptoms related to specific
chapters, which is discussed under section 5.4.
In
looking at Groups one (C4 proving) and two (Sherr
proving) it is evident that these methodologies are more effective in eliciting
responses in provers with odds ratios indicating that
rubrics are more likely to be present in
these
groups than absent. These groups are up to three times more effective in
producing rubrics than Group three and up to six times more effective than the
placebo group. The odds ratios for placebo portion of the Sherr
proving
and the Dream proving indicate that rubrics have a greater chance of being
absent within these groups than they have of being present. The chances are
greater in the placebo than in Dream methodology group, though, indicating that
the active remedy does elicit more symptoms than the inactive.
The conclusion can thus
be drawn that the methodologies employed in Groups one and two (C4 and Sherr methodologies) are more likely to produce symptoms
than not and that the placebo control and Group three (Dream methodology) are
more likely not to produce symptoms. One can thus assume that the more
effective methodologies are those tested in Groups one and two. No significant
difference exists in the symptoms experienced when comparing the C4 and Sherr methodologies and the methodologies are thus
equivalent. The differences between these groups lie in their chapter
affinities, which would be further explored in the following chapter under
section 5.4.
It
is also evident that the application of the various methodologies yielded
enough symptoms to allow for the compilation of a comprehensive repertory and materia medica presented
in this chapter, thus validating the assumption. The materia
medica and its relation to the AIDS miasm are discussed further in the following chapter under
section 5.6.
CHAPTER 5
DISCUSSION
The aim of this study
was to compare the most commonly employed proving methodologies, the C4 trituration proving methodology, the Sherr
proving methodology and the Dream proving methodology, by application in order
to ascertain the
validity of the claims made in terms of the efficiency of the method to elicit
reproducible symptoms.
C4 proving methodology,
as employed in Group one, was chosen on account of the controversy that
surrounds it. As discussed in Chapter 2, authors like Dellmour
(1998) object to the acknowledgement of these provings
through publication and inclusion in repertories. It was thus important to
investigate the claims and to test the merits of this methodology, as it
promises a deeper understanding of the remedy proven and is much less time
consuming.
The methodology tested
in Group two, the Sherr proving methodology, was
selected based on its widespread use as the acknowledged methodology for
conducting scientifically acceptable provings. This
method is widely cited as the acceptable model for conducting provings and serves as a gold standard (European Committee
for Homeopathy, 2004, 2008; International Council for Classical Homoeopathy,
1999).
The Dream proving
methodology was employed in Group three. Scholten
(2007) feels that meditation provings are more
accurate than Dream provings in giving the essence of
the remedy. The Dream proving methodology was chosen to represent the more
intuitive methodologies, for the researcher did not possess skills to
adequately apply a methodology like the meditation proving methodology in order
to assess its effectiveness.
Dream provings are also less time consuming to carry out and thus
carry merit to be investigated.
During the course of the
research, 70 provers were recruited to test the
unknown substance through application of the three methodologies mentioned
above. These provers comprised of both female and
male participants, representing all four ethnic groups. The majority of the provers were either homoeopaths or homoeopathic students,
although members of the general public who indicated an interest in
participating were also included.
The end result of the
data collection was the formulation of 1 373 rubrics utilised for analysis
purposes, resulting in 881 verified rubrics that comprise the repertory for Protea cynaroides.
The
statistical analysis presented in the previous chapter indicated the relative
effectiveness of each method as well as the reproducibility of the symptoms
elicited, analysed both in terms of rubric level and in terms of repertory
chapter.
This
chapter explain the findings presented in Chapter 4 in order to identify the
apparent strengths and weaknesses of each methodology towards developing an
integrated methodology that minimises the pitfalls identified and concentrating
on the strengths. Each methodology applied will be discussed in chronological
order below to facilitate the discussion.
The factors taken into
consideration when assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology
are as follows:
Reproducibility of
symptoms elicited
Number of symptoms
elicited
Types of symptoms
elicited
Quality of symptoms
elicited
These
factors will give an indication of the reproducibility and relative
effectiveness of each method which would allow for the identification of the
positive elements to be incorporated into an integrated methodology, and also
to
highlight the pitfalls in order to allow for the development of mechanisms to
minimise their occurrence.
5.1 GROUP 1 - C4 PROVING
METHODOLOGY
The C4 proving
methodology was the second most effective methodology in eliciting symptoms
during the proving process. It yielded 841 out of the total number of rubrics
(1.373) elicited during the study, which amounts to
61%. It also yielded
significantly more symptoms than the placebo portion of Group two, proving that
symptoms can be elicited during a proving in the absence of the administration
of repeated oral doses.
Reasonable
reproducibility can be observed when applying this methodology, reflected in
low odds ratios. It is interesting to note that the majority (nine of the top
10) of the chapters that reflected a high reproducibility in Table 6 were also
those that yielded missing results when calculating the odds ratio observable
in Table 7. This was mostly due to the fact that the rubrics did not occur at
all in either year for nine of the 14 chapters. This emphasises the fact that
the high reproducibility in these chapters were based on the absence of all the
rubrics in the chapter rather than their presence.
As expected, the
similarity of rubric occurrence at a particular rubric level, as illustrated in
Table 4, is the highest at main rubric level in this group, diminishing when it
gets to sub-rubric and sub-sub-rubric levels, where there
is a greater chance of
variation due to the specificity of the symptoms.
Table 5 also reflected that symptoms were more likely to occur in 2009
when applying the C4 proving methodology. This is despite the fact that more of
the participants in 2008 underwent the Lac
humanum trituration
sensitisation process. The higher likelihood of symptoms occurring in
2009 can thus not be attributed to the sensitisation process. This phenomenon
is most likely due to the presence of four provers
that form part of a regular
C4 trituration group, thus having developed a
group dynamic and resonance. This leads to the conclusion that this methodology
would be most effective if the process is carried out by experienced provers who have worked together on provings
for a longer period of time.
Despite this tendency of
rubrics to occur more likely in 2009, it is observable, as illustrated in Table
10 that significant differences can only be found to exist between the 2008 and
2009 data in seven of the 38 chapters, namely Chest, Dreams, Generals, Mind,
Mouth, Stomach and Throat. All of these chapters contain large numbers of
rubrics and the significant differences observed can be attributed to the
difference in the individual prover susceptibility
between the two years. It also insinuates that these chapters show the largest
variability within the methodology and may prove to be a weakness in the C4
methodology.
When studying the odds
ratios regarding the likelihood of a rubric occurring in Group one, it can be
noted that rubrics were more likely to occur than not, as illustrated in Table
12. This indicates the effectiveness of the C4 trituration
methodology in producing symptoms, negating Dellmour‘s
(1998) misgivings about the methodology. It also brings Herscu‘s
(2002) belief that provers only produce symptoms upon
oral administration of the remedy into question. Whether these symptoms have a
particular chapter affinity is important to investigate. In section 5.4 a
chapter by chapter analysis of the results obtained when studying the data
obtained in each group can be found. This analysis strives to investigate
whether symptoms belonging to certain chapters have a greater likelihood to be
elicited when applying the C4 Chapter 5 Page | 168
methodology than others. This would ensure that, when developing the
integrated methodology, every effort is made to ensure the combination of
methodologies that would yield an overview of the symptoms totality without the
exclusion of certain types of symptom.
It
is interesting to note that all the symptoms Hogeland
and Scriebman (2008) mentions as commonly occurring
during C4 provings (spacey or drugged feelings,
itchiness of eyes, nose and skin and time distortions) occurred not only during
the C4 component of the trial, but also during the subsequent Sherr and Dream proving stages. For that reason, they were
not excluded in the final symptoms list, but verified as belonging to the
proving of Protea cynaroides.
5.2 GROUP 2 - SHERR
PROVING METHODOLOGY
The Sherr
proving methodology consisted of 30 provers, 20 of
whom were dispensed verum powders and 10 placebo
powders. The dose was repeated three times per day for a maximum of two days in
the 30th potency and discontinued when proving symptoms developed.
In order to discuss the
results, the group needs to be divided into those who received the active
proving substance and those who received the inactive powders. This would
facilitate the inquest into the effectiveness of the
verum group as well as its
relative effectiveness to the placebo group.
5.2.1 Verum Group
The verum
portion Sherr proving methodology proved to be the
most effective methodology in eliciting symptoms during the proving process. It
yielded 63% of the rubrics (868 out of 1 373). In comparing the verum and
placebo groups of Group
two it is evident that the verum portion yielded
significantly more symptoms than the placebo portion, which yielded only 28%.
Of the three groups,
Group two reflects the lowest reproducibility, due to the large range observed
in the odds ratio values. In contrast to Group one, however, only one of the
top 10 chapters that reflected a high reproducibility
in Table 6 yielded
missing results when calculating the odds ratio observable in Table 7. Out of
all 38 chapters, only one did not yield symptoms in both years. The apparent
low reproducibility of this group is thus due to the
high incidence of
rubrics, in one or both years.
It
is yet again observable in Table 4 that the similarity of rubric occurrence at
a rubric level is the highest at main rubric level in this group, diminishing
when it gets to sub-rubric and reaching its lowest level at the
sub-sub-rubric
levels, where there is a greater chance of variation due to the specificity of
the symptoms. The values are lower than those observed in both Groups one and
three due to the high incidence of rubrics in this group.
It is
evident from Table 5 that symptoms were more likely to occur in 2008 when
applying the Sherr proving methodology. A possible
explanation for this phenomenon is that the majority of provers
in 2008 were senior homoeopathic students (four) and homoeopathic practitioners
(three), where in 2009 the majority were undergraduate homoeopathic students
(five). This may indicate that provers with more
homoeopathic experience should
be
favoured. On the other hand, this variation may have occurred due to the
difference in prover sensitivity and susceptibility
to the substance. The sensitivity is evident in the fact that three verum provers received an
antidote
in 2008
compared to two in 2009.
Despite this tendency of
rubrics to more likely occur in 2009, it is observable, as illustrated in Table
10, that significant differences can only be found to exist between the 2008 and
2009 data in seven of the 38 chapters,
namely Chest, Dreams,
Extremities, Generals, Rectum, Stomach and Teeth. Four of these chapters are
the same as those reflecting significant differences in Group one 2008 and 2009
comparisons. All but one of these
chapters, Teeth,
contains large numbers of rubrics and the significant differences observed can
be attributed to the difference in the individual prover
susceptibility between the two years. The high incidence of symptoms
elicited during the
application of this methodology increases the likelihood of variation between provers. The reproducibility of the symptoms is thus
sacrificed in favour of larger numbers of rubrics produced.
When studying the odds
ratios presented in Table 12, it is evident that rubrics were more likely to be
elicited when applying this methodology than of being absent. The chapter
affinity of this methodology would be analysed
in section 5.4.
Placebo
Group
As discussed in Chapter
two, Rosenbaum et al. (2006)
feel that the symptoms elicited in the placebo group differ from that in the verum group by being vaguer descriptions of symptoms,
lacking specificity. In discussing and analysing this section, it is thus
important to compare and contrast the quality of the symptoms produced in the
placebo group in order to ascertain the relative effectiveness of the active
methodology compared to its placebo counterpart.
The
placebo section was the least effective in producing symptoms during the
proving process. It yielded 388 of the total 1.373 rubrics (28%). As mentioned
in 5.2.1, it is evident that the verum portion
yielded significantly
more
symptoms than the placebo portion.
As discussed in Chapter
two, Rosenbaum et al. (2006)
feel that the symptoms elicited in the placebo group differ from that in the verum group by being vaguer descriptions of symptoms,
lacking specificity. In discussing and analysing this section, it is thus
important to compare and contrast the quality of the symptoms produced in the
placebo group in order to ascertain the relative effectiveness of the active
methodology compared to its placebo counterpart.
The placebo section was
the least effective in producing symptoms during the proving process. It
yielded 388 of the total 1.373 rubrics (28%). As mentioned in 5.2.1, it is
evident that the verum portion yielded significantly
more symptoms than the
placebo portion.
When studying the odds
ratios regarding the likelihood of a rubric occurring in the placebo section of
Group two, it is evident that rubrics are more likely to be absent, as
illustrated in Table 12. The tendency to be absent is
also more pronounced
than in Group two, leading to the conclusion that the active proving substance
does yield more symptoms than the placebo.
In utilising a placebo, prover confidence also decreased, as illustrated during the
proving of Protea cynaroides.
Provers made observations like:
I thought after the
proving that I wasn‘t on the substance at all, but then I read over my diary
this morning and suddenly I thought, “Why did I think I wasn‘t?” I had a lot of
symptoms, but they... I don‘t know why but I kept
thinking that there was
another cause for them.
and
I am also making myself
remember that this could be placebo so I mustn‘t get too neurotic as that would
be embarrassing.
The threat of placebo
could cause provers not to report strange symptoms
due to fear of embarrassment. This self-consciousness also could lead to provers not participating in future provings
due to the fear of looking foolish.
In
section 5.4 a chapter by chapter analysis of the results obtained when studying
the data obtained in each group can be found. This would strive to investigate
whether certain chapters have a greater likelihood to be elicited in placebo provers. The fact that a small%age
of proving symptoms were experienced by placebo provers,
indicated that both Norland‘s (1999) and Sankaran‘s (1995) observations regarding the group
phenomena ringing true for this proving. This leads the researcher to concur
with Jansen‘s (2008) recommendation that prover‘s
symptoms should be compared with their own pre-proving baseline observations,
thus negating the necessity of placebo prover
inclusion in the sample group.
5.3 GROUP 3 - DREAM
PROVING METHODOLOGY
The Dream proving
methodology was the least effective of the verum
methodologies in eliciting symptoms during the proving process. It yielded a
mere 42% of the rubrics, representing 579 of the total 1.373 rubric elicited
during the study. This methodology yielded only marginally (14%) more symptoms than
the placebo portion of Group two, bringing into question the timing and
frequency of doses needed to elicit a proving response, as only 3 doses
were administered 24
hours apart in Group three, compared to six doses in 48 hours administered in
Group two. The fact that this methodology produced the least number of symptoms
through its application, supports Sherr‘s (1994:
16-7) observation that they are partial proving, thus not eliciting the full
complement of symptoms.
High reproducibility can
be observed when applying this methodology, with only an eight% variation
between the 2008 and 2009 data reflected in Table 5. The odds ratio has a range
of 0.166 to 6.515, which is larger than that in Group one, but smaller than
that in Group two. A large proportion (seven of the top 10) of the chapters
that reflected a high reproducibility in Table 6 were also those that yielded
missing results when calculating the odds ratio observable in Table 7. This was
mostly due to the fact that the rubrics did not occur at all in either year in
six of the 14 chapters. This emphasises the fact that the high reproducibility
in these chapters were based on the absence
of all the rubrics in
the chapter rather than their presence.
A strange trend is observable
in Table 4 regarding the similarity of rubric occurrence at a rubric level.
This is expected to be the highest at main rubric level in this group,
diminishing when it gets to sub-rubric and sub-sub-rubric levels, but in this
group it is highest at the sub-sub-rubric level and diminishes as it moves up
to the main rubric level. The highest incidence of congruency between the years
can be seen at the sub-rubric level where 1.184 of the
1.373 rubrics are
identical. This is due to the absence of the rubric in both years as opposed to
the rubric‘s presence in 2008 and 2009.
Table
5 also reflects that symptoms are more likely to occur in 2008 than in 2009. A
difference in prover experience cannot explain this
trend, though, as the majority of provers in 2008
were members of the public (50%).
In
2009 the majority of provers were senior students
(60%) and based on the conclusion drawn in 5.2.1 one would expect a higher
likelihood of symptoms to emerge in 2009. One possible explanation is that the provers in 2008 may have been more familiar with the
process, because 40% of the 2008 provers have
participated in a proving before compared to 30% in 2009. Another explanation
could lie in prover sensitivity to the verum powders. If the provers
were not susceptible to the remedy, it could explain the low number of symptoms
elicited. The third possible reason can lie in the posology
of the remedy employed. A larger number of doses more frequently would lead
to
the development of more intense symptoms, thus increasing the likelihood of
symptom development.
5.3 GROUP 3 - DREAM
PROVING METHODOLOGY
The Dream proving
methodology was the least effective of the verum
methodologies in eliciting symptoms during the proving process. It yielded a
mere 42% of the rubrics, representing 579 of the total 1 373 rubric elicited
during the study. This methodology yielded only marginally (14%) more symptoms
than the placebo portion of Group two, bringing into question the timing and
frequency of doses needed to elicit a proving response, as only three doses
were administered 24 hours apart in Group three, compared to six doses in 48
hours administered in Group two. The fact that this methodology produced the
least number of symptoms through its application, supports Sherr‘s
(1994: 16-7) observation that they are partial proving, thus not eliciting the
full complement of symptoms.
High reproducibility can
be observed when applying this methodology, with only an eight% variation
between the 2008 and 2009 data reflected in Table 5. The odds ratio has a range
of 0.166 to 6.515, which is larger than that in Group one, but smaller than
that in Group two. A large proportion (seven of the top 10) of the chapters
that reflected a high reproducibility in Table 6 were also those that yielded missing
results when calculating the odds ratio observable in Table 7. This was mostly
due to the fact that the rubrics did not occur at all in either year in six of
the 14 chapters. This emphasises the fact that the high reproducibility in
these chapters were based on the absence of all the rubrics in the chapter
rather than their presence.
A strange trend is
observable in Table 4 regarding the similarity of rubric occurrence at a rubric
level. This is expected to be the highest at main rubric level in this group,
diminishing when it gets to sub-rubric and sub-sub-rubric levels, but in this
group it is highest at the sub-sub-rubric level and diminishes as it moves up
to the main rubric level. The highest incidence of congruency between the years
can be seen at the sub-rubric level where 1.184 of the
1.373 rubrics are
identical. This is due to the absence of the rubric in both years as opposed to
the rubric‘s presence in 2008 and 2009.
Table 5 also reflects
that symptoms are more likely to occur in 2008 than in 2009. A difference in prover experience cannot explain this trend, though, as the
majority of provers in 2008 were members of the
public (50%). In 2009 the majority of provers were
senior students (60%) and based on the conclusion drawn in 5.2.1 one would
expect a higher likelihood of symptoms to emerge in 2009. One possible
explanation is that the provers in 2008 may have been
more familiar with the process, because 40% of the 2008 provers
have participated in a proving before compared to 30% in 2009. Another
explanation could lie in prover sensitivity to the verum powders. If the provers
were not susceptible to the remedy, it could explain the low number of symptoms
elicited. The third possible reason can lie in the posology
of the remedy employed. A larger number of doses more frequently would lead to
the development of more intense symptoms, thus increasing the likelihood of
symptom development.
Despite this tendency of
rubrics to more likely occur in 2008, it is observable, as illustrated in Table
10, that significant differences can only be found to exist between the 2008
and 2009 data in seven of the 38 chapters, namely Chest, Generals, Mind, Mouth,
Nose, Rectum and Throat. All of these chapters contain large numbers of rubrics
and the significant differences observed can be attributed to the difference in
the individual prover susceptibility between the two
years. In this case it also insinuates that these chapters show the largest
incidence of rubrics within the group, hence allowing for variability that
would not exist if the rubrics were absent. This will be evident
in the chapter by
chapter analysis presented in section 5.4.
ANALYSIS
OF THE INCIDENCE OF RUBRIC WITHIN SPECIFIC CHAPTERS FOR THE THREE METHODOLOGIES
APPLIED
In
order to ascertain whether the methodology has an affinity to elicit symptoms
in particular organs, one has to look at the individual chapters and interpret
the results obtained. Below is listed an interpretation and discussion of the
results obtained when applying each proving methodology.
Abdomen
This
chapter shows a low occurrence of rubrics in the C4 group and the rubrics are
more likely to be absent than present in both the C4 group and the dream three.
In analysing the incidence, it is evident that significant differences exist
between all the groups when carrying out a pair-wise comparison. Based on these
comparisons it is evident that the verum Sherr group is more effective in eliciting symptoms in the
Abdomen chapter than the other two methodologies employed. The placebo Sherr group, however, elicited a higher number of symptoms
than the Dream group. This illustrates the School of Homeopathy‘s (2004) field
theory, and that everyone in the field experience the effect of the proving
albeit in different degrees of intensity, as expressed by Rosenbaum et al. (2006). This raises the
question of the necessity of including placebo provers
in the group and insinuates that Jansen (2008) is correct in viewing placebo as
a waste of provers.
Back
In the C4 group, the
Back chapter reflects a high incidence of rubrics, much higher in fact than the
incidence in any of the other groups. A significant difference is observable in
comparing the results to those obtained in the other two groups. This may
indicate that the mechanical action of trituration
augments the effects of the remedy, making physiological strains on the body
more pronounced. Less weight should be given to symptoms in this chapter
with regard to Group one provers as this is
probably more due to the physical strain of the process than the effect of the
remedy. It should, however, not be discarded, as the symptoms did occur to a
lesser degree in the other groups, most notably in Group two where the odds
ratio indicates a higher probability of rubric occurring within the chapter
than of being absent.
The
relationship between the Dream group and the placebo Sherr
group should be noted, where there is virtually the same incidence of rubrics.
In the Dream group 11 rubrics are present in the Back chapter and in the
placebo
Sherr group 10. This means that there is no significant
difference observable between the groups.
Bladder
These
symptoms are more likely to be absent than present in the C4 group and the
Dream group, but due to the small number of rubrics presenting this chapter
results pertaining to the presence in the C4 group appear inflated.
No
significant differences are observable between the three groups with regards to
this chapter, leading to the assumption that the rubrics in this chapter is reproducible
through all methodologies and does not show an affinity
to
a specific methodology employed. The odds ratio, however, indicates that the Sherr group, both the placebo and verum
sections, have a higher likelihood of producing bladder symptoms, indicating
the possible affinity of this methodology for producing rubrics in the Bladder
chapter. The presence of five rubrics is however too small to make a conclusive
decision.
Chest
When studying the C4
group, the moderate occurrence of rubrics within this chapter is comparable to
the incidence in the verum Sherr
group and the Dream group, thus reflecting no significant differences when
applying a pair-wise intergroup analyses with the C4 group. Significant
differences are however observable when comparing the verum
Sherr group and the Dream group, as well as the verum Sherr group to the placebo
portion. Rubrics also
have a higher chance of
occurring than of being absent in the C4 group and the verum
Sherr group, marking this chapter as a significant chapter
in the proving of Protea cynaroides,
but not a characteristic chapter with regards to
a particular proving
methodology.
This
is one of the few chapters where a significant difference is observable between
the placebo Sherr group and the Dream group. This is
due to the incidence of 14 rubrics within the chapter in the Dream group,
compared to one rubric in the placebo Sherr group.
Chill
This
chapter did not feature in the C4 proving or either section of the Sherr proving data elicited. It occurred as a single rubric
during the application of the Dream proving methodology and is thus negligible
in the proving of Protea cynaroides.
Cough
The moderate occurrence
of rubrics within this chapter on application of the C4 group methodology is
similar to the incidence in the verum Sherr group and the Dream group. This, yet again, seems to
be a significant chapter
in the proving of Protea cynaroides,
but not a characteristic chapter with regards to a particular methodology. Here
again it is observable that rubrics have a greater chance of occurring than not
in the C4 group and the verum
Sherr group, thus leading to
the conclusion that these methodologies are more likely to elicit symptoms
belonging to this chapter. Chapter 5 Page | 177
Dreams
The
Dreams chapter is the second largest chapter, containing 142 rubrics. In
comparing the data pertaining to the Dream chapter it is evident that dream
symptoms are more likely to occur in the verum Sherr group and in the Dream group. The incidence is
however higher in the verum Sherr
group than in the Dream group, where the methodology name insinuates a high
occurrence of dream related symptoms. In looking at the data generated by
applying
the C4 and placebo Sherr group, it is evident that in
this chapter there is a low occurrence of rubrics and consequently rubrics are
more likely to be absent than present. Significant differences are found to
exist between
the
C4 group occurrence of the rubrics in this chapter and that of the verum Sherr group and the Dream
group respectively, but not when comparing the verum Sherr group and the Dream group. The verum
Sherr group and the Dream group methodologies are
thus much more effective in eliciting symptoms in the Dreams chapter.
The paucity of dream
symptoms present in the C4 group is possibly due to the fact that the C4
proving takes place during the trituration process
and consequently means that none of the provers sleep
during the proving and are thus not able to experience dream symptoms.
Ear
This
chapter shows a high occurrence of rubrics in the C4 group, but a total absence
in the Dream group. Rubrics are more likely to occur than to be absent in the
C4 group only. In analysing the incidence, it is evident that significant
differences exist between the C4 group occurrence of the rubrics in this
chapter and that of the verum Sherr
group and the Dream group respectively. The C4 methodology is thus more
effective in eliciting symptoms related to the ear than the verum
Sherr and Dream proving methodologies. No significant
difference exists between the placebo and verum
sections of the Sherr group, emphasising this
methodology‘s lack in producing
symptoms
pertaining to the Ear chapter.
Expectoration
Despite the small number
of rubrics present in this chapter when applying the C4 proving methodology,
the chances of eliciting the rubrics when applying any of the three
methodologies are slim. The verum Sherr
group shows
the highest incidence of
rubrics present in this chapter (three) and is the only section more likely to
produce symptoms related to expectoration. This leads to the conclusion that
Expectoration is not an important chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides, but it is not possible to
make assumptions regarding the chapter affinity due to the small number of rubrics
present.
External Throat
This
chapter represents a small number of rubrics and the likelihood of the rubric
being absent when applying the C4, Dream and placebo Sherr
methodologies are high. There is also no significant difference observable in
any
of the comparisons between the data elicited when applying the different
methodologies, but the highest incidence and probability of occurrence is seen
in the verum Sherr group.
External throat is thus not an important
chapter
in this proving.
Expectoration
Despite the small number
of rubrics present in this chapter when applying the C4 proving methodology,
the chances of eliciting the rubrics when applying any of the three
methodologies are slim. The verum Sherr
group shows
the highest incidence of
rubrics present in this chapter (three) and is the only section more likely to
produce symptoms related to expectoration. This leads to the conclusion that
Expectoration is not an important chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides, but it is not possible to
make assumptions regarding the chapter affinity due to the small number of
rubrics present.
Extremities
Extremities is the
fourth largest chapter with 126 rubrics. The high incidence of rubrics reflected
in this chapter for the C4 group is much higher than the incidence observed in
the verum Sherr group and
the Dream group and a significant difference is observable in comparing the
results in the C4 group to those obtained in the other two verum
groups. This yet again may be due more to the physical strain of the process
than the effect of the remedy,
resulting
in less weight being given to symptoms in this chapter with regards to the C4
group provers. Yet again, symptoms should not be
discarded, as the symptoms were elicited, although to a lesser degree, in the
other groups.
It
is however more likely to be absent than present in all the groups except in
the C4 group.
Eye
A
large proportion of rubrics present in this chapter belong to symptoms elicited
during the application of the C4 proving methodology. Rubrics also have a
higher probability of occurring than of being absent in the C4 group,
in
contrast to the other groups. It is interesting to note that no significant
difference exist between the eye symptoms in the C4 group and the verum Sherr group, but
significant differences are observable between the C4 group
and
the Dream group. It is, however, evident that no significant differences exist
when comparing the verum Sherr
group to the other groups. Eye is thus a prominent chapter in the C4 group and,
to a lesser extent, the verum
Sherr group methodologies, but insignificant when applying
the Dream proving methodology.
Face
A
moderate number of rubrics are present in the face chapter when applying the C4
and Sherr proving methodologies. Rubrics also have a
higher probability of occurring than of being absent in these groups. No
significant differences thus exist between these groups. Significant
differences are observable between the C4 group and the Dream group, the verum Sherr group and placebo Sherr group and the verum Sherr group and the Dream group.
This
is due to the greater likelihood of rubric absence in the Face chapter of the
placebo Sherr group and the Dream group, leading to the
assumption that this is a more prominent chapter in the C4 group and verum Sherr group.
Female organs
This chapter features
most strongly in the verum Sherr
group. There is an evidently low occurrence of rubrics when applying the C4
group and the Dream group methodologies and consequently rubrics are more
likely to be
absent than present. In
analysing the incidence, it is evident that significant differences exist
between occurrence of rubrics within this chapter between the C4 group and the verum Sherr group as well as
between the verum
Sherr group and placebo Sherr group. No significant difference is observable in the
comparison between the C4 group and the Dream group. The verum
Sherr group is thus much more effective in eliciting
symptoms in the
Female chapter. The
earlier observation made in the Dream chapter is possible again true for the C4
group due to the fact that there are few long term effects of the proving and
symptoms that would take a longer time to
develop like hormonal
changes that would affect the menses would not manifest during the four hours
in which the trituration takes place.
Fever
This
chapter did not feature in the C4 proving data elicited. The verum Sherr group and the Dream
group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this chapter, but did not reflect a
significant difference when comparing them to
the
C4 group. The most prominent methodology is that applied in the verum section of the verum Sherr group, eliciting all four the rubrics. The verum Sherr group is the only
group reflecting a higher probability of symptoms occurring than of them being
absent.
Generals
The
Generals chapter is the third largest chapter in this proving, containing 139 rubrics.
When comparing the number of rubrics generated when applying the various
proving methodology, it is evident that an average to moderate number is
present in all the verum groups and no significant
differences exist when comparing the incidence of rubrics in the C4 group to
that of the verum Sherr
group and the Dream group. Rubrics also have a higher probability of occurring
in these than of being absent. A significant difference does however exist
between the verum Sherr
group and the Dream group and between the verum and
placebo sections of the Sherr group. The significant
differences observable is due to the high number of rubrics absent in this
chapter when applying the Dream group and the placebo Sherr
group methodologies. This leads to the conclusion that the Generals chapter is
an important chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides. This is to be expected
due to the fact that any proving would produce a number of general symptoms
(Kent, 1995).
Head
In
the C4 group there is a large proportion of rubrics present in the Head
chapter. Rubrics also have a higher probability of occurring than of being
absent when applying this methodology, as well as the Sherr
methodology. It is interesting to note that no significant difference exist
between the head symptoms in the C4 group and the verum
Sherr group, but significant differences are
observable between the C4 group and the Dream group and between
the
verum and placebo sections of the Sherr
group. This is due to the greater likelihood of rubric absence in the Head
chapter of the Dream group and the placebo Sherr
group. Head is thus an important chapter in the C4 group
and
the verum Sherr group
methodologies, but insignificant when applying the Dream proving methodology.
Hearing
These symptoms are more
likely to be present than absent in the C4 group, whereas the opposite holds
true for the other groups. No significant differences are observable between
the three groups with regards to the Hearing chapter, leading to the assumption
that the small number rubrics in this chapter make it impossible to draw a
conclusion as to a particular affinity to a specific methodology employed. One
can, however, note that the C4 group
was the only group to
elicit all six rubrics representing this chapter.
Kidneys
This chapter represents
a small number of rubrics (four) and the likelihood of the rubric being absent
when applying the C4 and Dream proving methodologies is high. Three rubrics are
present in the verum and two in the
placebo sections of the Sherr group. There is also no significant difference
observable any of the group comparisons, leading to the conclusion that the
Kidneys chapter is probably not a significant chapter in this proving.
Larynx
Only
two rubrics represent this chapter. When applying the C4 and Sherr (verum and placebo
sections) proving methodologies, one rubric was elicited in each of the groups
and the likelihood of the rubric occurring is even to
the
likelihood of it being absent. There is also no significant difference
observable in the comparison between the data elicited when applying the Sherr group or the Dream group methodologies compared to
that of the C4 group. Larynx thus seems to be an insignificant chapter in the Protea cynaroides proving.
Male Genitalia
This chapter represents
a small number of rubrics (two) and the likelihood of the rubric occurring is
equal to the likelihood of it being absent when applying the C4 group
methodology and in the placebo Sherr group. There is
also no significant
difference observable in the comparison between the data elicited in any of the
groups. The Male genitalia chapter also seems to be an insignificant chapter in
the proving of this remedy.
Male and Female Genitalia
The one rubric
representing this chapter is present in all three groups and is thus likely to
always occur when conducting this proving.
Mind
Mind is the
largest chapter, containing 286 of the rubrics produced as a result of the Protea cynaroides proving.
A large number of rubrics were elicited in this chapter during the application
of all 3 the proving methodologies. Rubrics also have a higher probability of
occurring than of being absent in the three verum
groups. No significant difference exists between the mind symptoms in the C4
group and the verum Sherr
group, but significant differences are observable between the C4 group and the
Dream group, verum Sherr
group and the Dream group and the placebo and verum
sections of the Sherr group. The difference between
the C4 group and the Dream group and the verum Sherr group and the Dream group laid in the fact that the
C4 group elicited 224 rubrics and the verum Sherr group 203 compared to the 177 in the Dream group. The
rubrics in this chapter are reproducible
throughout
all the Dream group methodologies and does not show a strong affinity to a
specific methodology employed. This is to be expected due to the fact that any
proving would produce mind symptoms (Kent, 1995).
Perspiration
The
low occurrence of rubrics (one out of the Dream group) within this chapter on
application of the C4 group methodology is identical to the incidence in the verum Sherr group and the Dream
group. With all three
methodologies
it is unlikely that the Dream group rubrics in the Perspiration chapter would
occur, thus leading to the conclusion that this does not seem to be a
significant chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides.
Rectum
In the C4 group, this
chapter reflects a low occurrence and rubrics are more likely to be absent than
present. In analysing the incidence, it is evident that significant differences
exist between the C4 group occurrence of the rubrics in the Rectum chapter and
that of the verum Sherr
group and the Dream group. The verum Sherr group and the Dream group methodologies are thus much
more effective in eliciting symptoms in the Rectum chapter. This yet
again can be explained
by the fact that disorders of digestion takes time to manifest, and during the trituration proving, ascending potencies every hour
prevents the development of these types of disorders.
Respiration
This chapter shows a
high occurrence of rubrics elicited by the application of the C4 proving
methodology, followed by a significantly lower incidence in the verum Sherr group and the Dream
group. Rubrics are more likely to occur than to be absent in the C4 group
alone. In analysing the incidence, it is evident that significant differences
exist between the C4 group occurrence of the rubrics in this chapter and that
of the verum Sherr group
and the Dream group. The C4 methodology is thus more effective in eliciting
symptoms related to the respiration than the Sherr
and Dream proving methodologies.
Skin
The high occurrence of
rubrics within this chapter on application of the verum
Sherr group methodology and the moderate occurrence
in the C4 group reflect no significant difference to exist between these
groups. A significant difference exists when comparing the incidence between
the verum Sherr group and
the Dream group. In the Dream group and the placebo Sherr
group it is observable that rubrics have a greater chance of occurring than
not,
but the opposite is true
for the C4 group and the verum Sherr
group. This thus seems to be a significant chapter when applying the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies.
Sleep
Sleep symptoms were
elicited in the application of all the verum proving
methodologies, and show a higher probability of occurring than of being absent.
No significant differences are evident in comparing the rubric incidence
in all three the verum groups, but a significant difference is evident when
comparing the verum and placebo sections of the Sherr group. The Sleep chapter can thus be seen significant
chapter in the proving of Protea cynaroides, not showing a particular affinity to a
proving methodology. It is interesting, however to note that although the C4
proving did not elicit significant symptoms in the Dreams chapter, it was able
to affect the sleep of the provers.
Stomach
No significant
differences are observable between the data elicited in the C4 group and the verum Sherr group. In these
groups, rubrics also reflect a tendency to occurring rather than of being
absent. Significant differences are observable between the C4 group and the
Dream group, the verum Sherr
group and the Dream group and between the placebo and verum
sections of the Sherr group. The difference between
the C4 group and the Dream group
and the verum Sherr group and the Dream
group lays in the fact that the C4 group elicited 29 rubrics and the verum Sherr group 37 rubrics
compared to the nine rubrics produced in the Dream group. The rubrics in this
chapter show an affinity to the C4 and Sherr proving
methodologies employed.
Stool
This chapter did not
feature in the C4 proving data elicited. This observation is again due to the
fact that digestive disturbances take longer to manifest than the duration of
the C4 proving. The verum Sherr
group and the Dream group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this chapter,
but the Dream group has a larger probability of not producing the symptoms than
of producing it. This thus reflects that this chapter is favoured by the Sherr proving methodology, but that it is insignificant
when applying the C4 and Dream methodologies.
Teeth
This
chapter did not feature in the C4 proving data elicited. The verum Sherr group and the Dream
group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this chapter, thus reflecting a
significant difference when comparing them to the C4 group. No significant
difference exists between the verum Sherr group and the Dream group data. However, due to the
small number of rubrics (seven) representing this chapter, one cannot draw a
definite conclusion, but this chapter does seem to be favoured by the Sherr and Dream methodologies. This also supports the
observation that the C4 methodology does not elicit symptoms that are more
insidious in developing.
Throat
A large proportion of
rubrics present in this chapter were elicited during the application of the C4
and Sherr proving methodologies. Rubrics also have a
higher probability of occurring than of being absent within these groups.
No significant
difference were found to exist between the throat symptoms in the C4 group and
the verum Sherr group, but
significant differences can be observed between the C4 group and the Dream
group. The difference between the C4 group and the Dream group lays in the fact
that the C4 group elicited 23 rubrics compared to the 13 in the Dream group.
The Dream group also shows a higher probability of rubric absence. The rubrics
in this chapter show an affinity to the application of the C4 and Sherr proving methodologies.
Urethra
The
low occurrence of rubrics within this chapter on application of the C4 group
methodology is similar to the incidence in the Dream group. No significant
difference is thus observable between the C4 group and the Dream
group.
With the C4 and Dream proving methodologies it is unlikely that the five
rubrics in the Urethra chapter would occur, but the opposite is true for the Sherr methodology, both in its placebo and verum section. This concurs with the findings in the
Bladder chapter. But, yet again, the presence of five rubrics is too small to
make a conclusive decision on whether there exists a definite affinity within
the Sherr group methodology for this chapter.
Urine
This
chapter did not feature in the C4 proving data elicited. The verum Sherr group and the Dream
group methodologies did elicit symptoms in this chapter, but due to the small
number of rubrics (five) representing this chapter
the
differences were not significant when comparing the groups. It is interesting
to note that both the C4 group and the Dream group have a higher probability of
the rubric being absent, while the opposite is true for the Sherr
group‘s verum section. The verum
Sherr group thus may favour the development of
symptoms related to urine, but the results are inconclusive. This concurs with
the conclusion drawn in the Urethra chapter.
Vertigo
This chapter represents
a small number of rubrics and the likelihood of the rubric occurring is equal
to the likelihood of it being absent when applying the C4 group methodology. In
the Dream group, rubrics are more likely to
be absent and in the verum Sherr group they are more
likely to be present. No significant difference is observable in the comparison
between the data elicited when applying any of the methodologies. Vertigo seems
to be
favoured by the Sherr proving methodology, where with the C4 proving
methodology it is not possible to draw a conclusion either way.
Vision
The rubrics present in
this chapter were predominantly elicited during the application of the Sherr proving methodology, followed by the C4 proving
methodology. Rubrics reflect a tendency to occur rather than of being absent
in the C4 group and two.
No significant difference is observable when comparing the C4 group and the verum Sherr group, but a
significant difference is evident between the C4 group and the Dream group and
the verum Sherr group and
the Dream group. The difference when comparing the C4 group and the verum Sherr group to the Dream
group lays in the fact that the C4 group elicited 11 rubrics and the verum Sherr group 17 rubrics
compared to
the 5 in the Dream
group. The C4 group and two thus reflects an affinity for eliciting symptoms in
the Vision chapter, where the Dream group does not.
AN INTEGRATED METHODOLOGY
The most effective
methodologies are those employed in Groups one and two, namely the C4 trituration and the Sherr proving
methodologies. In comparing the chapters where these methodologies predominate,
it is evident that a combination of the C4 and Sherr
proving methodologies would yield the most effective proving. The C4
methodology seems to be most effective in eliciting acute responses,
particularly with respect to the organs of sensation — eyes, ears, nose, tongue
and skin — as well as those organs in which diseases develop quickly, for
example the respiratory system. In applying the Sherr
methodology, it is evident that both acute and more insidious symptoms develop,
although the senses are not favoured as prominently as in the C4 proving.
Disorders of the digestive and reproductive systems are thus more evident on
application of the Sherr methodology, but disorders
of the respiratory system also occurred.
From
the data presented in the sections above, it is evident that the Dream proving
methodology is only marginally more successful in eliciting proving symptoms
than the placebo portion of the Sherr methodology.
The methodology does not cause provers to experience
large numbers of symptoms and is more likely to not elicit a response than to
elicit one.
The integrated
methodology proposed is as follows:
STAGE 1: Roles are
assigned to the parties involved. The selected proving committee decides on the
exact protocol and the remedy, as well as assigning prover
numbers, remedy codes and starting dates. Provers are
screened for suitability as suggested by the Sherr
methodology. The committee also allocates supervisors to the provers.
The pre-proving
interview takes place, comprising of the taking of a complete case history and
a physical examination to establish the baseline symptoms
of the prover. Informed consent should be
obtained from all participants in writing to comply with ethical standards and
to protect the rights of the provers. During this
interview, notebooks are distributed and the provers
are required to keep notes of their normal state at least one week prior to
commencing the proving.
STAGE 2a: The first
phase of administration of the proving substance takes place through performing
a C4 trituration of the substance. At least 10 provers should form part of this group. Experienced C4 provers should be
favoured for this stage,
especially if they have worked together for long enough to develop a group
dynamic. Initially provers do not have the confidence
to record all the symptoms they experience, or the ability to identify
which symptoms are
relevant; this only comes with experience. The C4 proving would allow for the
preliminary development of a remedy picture.
After each trituration level a group discussion should take place in
order to discuss the provers‘ experiences and to
verify the symptoms noted.
The
experiences and symptoms reported by the C4 provers
would then be extracted and collated. These experiences are then categorised
according to the different levels, i.e. whether the symptoms fall under the
physical, emotional, mental or spiritual levels. The data from the different
levels can then be analysed to reveal the predominant themes of the proving. These
themes can then be arranged to indicate the evolution of the experiences
elicited
during the proving process.
STAGE 2b: The symptoms
elicited through the C4 proving would then be verified by carrying out an
orthodox proving based on the guidelines laid down by Sherr
(1994). The prover group should include a minimum of
15 verum provers. The use
of placebo provers are optional, but should not
include more than 10%, as any larger a group would serve no purpose, as
expressed by Jansen (2008). Here, provers should be
sensitive individuals able to
accurately record the
symptoms they experience.
The posology
should ensure a large likelihood for the development of symptoms, without
putting the prover‘s future health at risk. The
suggested three doses per day for two consecutive days elicited a large proving
response,
as it is important to
have frequent repetition of the dose until proving symptoms emerge and then to
discontinue further doses.
All
symptoms elicited during both phases of the proving should be verified through
a personal interview with the prover. This should
take place as close to the experience as possible to prevent provers from losing touch with the experience. This would
ensure that the researcher can fully appreciate all the aspects of the symptoms
experienced in order to record the description of the symptoms as
comprehensively as possible.
STAGE 3:
The provers from phase two meet with the supervisors
in order to discuss the symptoms experienced, to verify the symptoms and to
ensure that all the descriptions are as concise as possible. The provers from both proving phases meet as a group to discuss
their symptoms and experiences. All the valid symptoms are extracted from the notebooks
and the remedy name is announced. The extraction process can be carried out
using NVivo software for the thematic coding of the
symptoms. The themes identified during the extraction process of the C4 trituration proving data can be utilised as starting nodes.
STAGE 4: The extractions
are collated and typed. Toxicological data is added and the symptoms are edited
by the co-ordinator.
STAGE 5: The symptoms
are repertorised and graded.
STAGE 6: Publishing of
the proving
In
following the integrated methodology described in the preceding paragraphs,
complete symptoms can be elicited on all levels, i.e. a comprehensive
description of symptoms can be obtained pertaining to the physical, general,
mental, emotional and spiritual levels. This description would facilitate
deeper understanding of the cycles present in the development of the
consciousness of the remedy and result in a materia medica that would immediately be
applicable in practice. Prescription of the remedy would facilitate clinical
verification of the symptoms elicited, completing the investigation of the
remedy picture.
PROTEA CYNAROIDES AND THE AIDS MIASM
At first glance, Protea cynaroides seems
to belong to the Acute miasm, possessing features of
fear of sudden attack coupled with a fight or flight response. This response is
characterised by anxiety, heart palpitations and a bounding pulse (Sankaran, 1999). These features are only evident in the
aetiology of the mental/emotional symptoms of the remedy, indicating the
presence of a more evolved miasm.
Stage one of the
mental/emotional development, alludes to the Psora miasm. There is a sensitivity to all stimuli which produces
functional disturbances e.g. itching, nausea, headaches and diarrhoea
(Hahnemann, 1995).
Protea cynaroides also exhibit features of the Tuberculinic
miasm: Oppression with a desire to break free from
the restrictions. This feeling, however, is only evident in the second
developmental stage of the protea.
This desire to break
free, however, develops into extreme destructive reactions, taking on
Syphilitic features in stage four, thus developing beyond the racing pace of
the Tuberculinic miasm (Sankaran, 2000).
The miasm
that encompasses features of all the miasms discussed
above is the AIDS miasm. Comprised of features
combining Psora and Syphilis, it is similar to the Tuberculinic miasm, but where Psora is dominant in the Tuberculinic
miasm, Syphilis dominates the AIDS miasm.
In the development of
the consciousness of Protea cynaroides,
as illustrated in the previous chapter under section 4.3.1, the emergence of
the AIDS miasm is evident. In stage one there are no
boundaries for the individual,
who is dependent on the
family/group to provide the boundaries. These boundaries are however too
restrictive for the emerging individualism, resulting in the desire to break
away from the group. In an effort to compensate
for the feelings of
abandonment, the ego hypertrophies to create the illusion of strength and
individuality. A large amount of energy is required to maintain this state (Norland, 2003b).
When the energy
resources are depleted, the individual withdraws, detaching from society and
emotions, becoming cold and hard in an effort to create new, artificial
boundaries. In this state, the realisation develops that the
only true safety lies
within the family and group. There is a resignation, but also sadness for that
which has been lost in the process (Norland, 2003b).
It is thus evident that
this remedy shares common themes with the AIDS miasm.
It is the researcher‘s opinion that it mirrors the predominant social state
present in South Africa, and perhaps the African continent. Protea cynaroides may be able to relieve
some of the anxiety and aggression present in this society, paving the way to
peace and resignation.
Conclusion
From
the data presented above, one can thus conclude that in order to elicit
symptoms representing all 38 chapters present in the Protea cynaroides proving, the C4 trituration proving and the Sherr
proving methodologies would have to be combined. Although Group two is able to
elicit the majority of symptoms, it would be even more effective when it is
combined with the C4 proving methodology, as illustrated by the suggested
integrated methodology is presented in this chapter.
CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 CONCLUSION
The aim of this study
was to compare the most commonly employed proving methodologies in order to
ascertain the reproducibility of each method and to compare the relative effectiveness
of each of the methods. This was
done with the purpose of
developing an integrated methodology.
In
the preceding chapters data were presented regarding the history of provings and proving methodologies. The most commonly
employed methodologies were firstly the Hahnemannian
Methodology, the original methodology, where provings
were carried out unblinded, utilising no placebo
controls and the sample sizes were small. Symptom verification was carried out
by selecting trustworthy and conscientious volunteers (Dantas
et al., 2007) and personally
verifying every symptom elicited to ascertain the true nature of the symptom
(Hughes, 1912; Rosenbaum & Waissen-Priven, 2006).
Strict rules existed about the diet and lifestyle of the provers
in order to minimise
the
variables (Dantas et al., 2007; Hahnemann, 1999; Raeside, 1962). These restrictions are
very difficult to impose on a 21st century lifestyle.
The second
methodology discussed was Kent‘s methodology, where the importance of
self-examination prior to the commencement of the proving, through keeping a
pre-proving diary in the preceding week, was emphasised. Participants were also
unaware of the name and nature of the substance (Kent, 1995). Provers were also selected based on their susceptibility to
certain substances to ensure that they were sensitive
to the substance investigated during the proving process.
The
next methodology discussed was the Dream proving methodology, which elaborate
on single-blind studies that cover a limited time span and focus mainly on the
Dreams of the provers. During these trials no placebo
control
were used. The merit of this methodology lies in the provers‘
emotional responses to the dreams, as the dreams have the ability to illustrate
the provers‘ uncompensated feelings and reactions.
The Vithoulkas methodology proves substances using toxic, hypotoxic and highly potentised
doses. The medicine is administered three times daily for a full month or until
symptoms appear. Symptoms recorded were drawn from all three levels of the
organism: mental, emotional and physical. The provings
were always conducted as a double-blind study utilising a 25% placebo
inclusion. The sample size consisted of 50 to 100 provers.
The next methodology,
the Sherr methodology, is also known as the standard Hahnemannian proving (Hogeland
& Schriebman, 2008: XV). These provings were carried out on a sample size of 15 to 20 provers as double blind studies including 10 to 20% placebo
provers. The suggested posology
is oral administration of six doses over two days. Pre-proving diaries are kept
for one to two weeks prior to commencing the proving.
The Sankaran
methodology followed a protocol midway between the Dream provings
the standard Hahnemannian provings.
The provings are also single blind studies, carried
out by five to 25 volunteers who observe and record
all physical and
emotional symptoms, as well as dreams, incidents and observations of others.
In an attempt to standardise proving methods, the International Council
for Classical Homoeopathy (ICCH) recommended guidelines for good provings which comprise of a sample group of between 10 and
20 provers. It is recommended using two to three
potencies during the proving, as well as including a placebo control of 10 to
30%.
The
Herscu methodology provided a guideline to others who
are interested in conducting provings. It suggested a
group size of 15 to 40 people, which made allowances for placebo controls (five
in every 40 provers) and
potential
dropouts. Prover sensitivity should be considered when
selecting the provers in order to assure that the
proving group comprise of different constitutional types.
The School of Homeopathy
bases its methodology on the protocol laid out by Hahnemann in the Organon of Medicine and takes into account
the comments and clarifications made by Kent, Sherr
and Herscu, but emphasise the dynamics of the group
proving on the premise that the whole group is involved in the proving, not
only those who take the remedy. Administration of the remedy can be orally or
through meditation.
At the Nature Care
College, Gray attempted to develop standards to ensure the quality of modern provings and also verify the findings of older provings. The methodology follows guidelines laid down by Sherr and Herscu. The proving
design withheld the name of the substance, but utilised no placebo control. The
remedy was administered twice daily as five drops sublingually until symptoms
developed.
Meditative Provings were carried out by up to four groups of provers, comprising of six to 12 members, sitting in
meditation circles. The potencies utilised varies from 30c to 10M. During
meditative provings all the information were intuited
or channelled whilst the group is sitting in a circle meditating. The final
methodology discussed was the C4 proving, which took place during a trituration process. Participants record all the symptoms
they experience during the trituration, and discuss
these experienced during a wrap-up conversation after the trituration
process. The participants are usually not aware of the substance being
triturated.
From
this data, three main methodologies were identified by virtue of the
similarities between them. The C4 proving was identified as the first group as
it contained some elements of the meditative provings
as well.
The
trituration process forms part of the remedy
preparation, as set out in the GHP (Benyunes, 2005),
and should thus logically precede any methodology requiring the oral
administration of medicine.
The second group was
classified under the Sherr methodology, as it
represented a modernisation of the Hahnemannian and Kentian methodologies. It also had features in common with
the Vithoulkas, Sankaran,
ICCH, Herscu
and Nature Care College
methodologies. The last group represented the unblinded
studies of meditative provings and the School of
Homeopathy and was group under the Dream proving methodology. The last two
groups required the oral administration of the proving substance, although the
assignment of the second and third groups were random.
In
order to conduct the research 70 provers were
recruited to test the unknown substance through application of the three
methodologies mentioned above. Each group comprised of 20 verum
provers, 10 in each year, with an additional 10 provers in Group two as placebo provers,
as indicated in Table 2. The proving experiences recorded by these provers were then analysed to test the hypotheses below.
The hypotheses were
formulated firstly to illustrate that different methodologies yield different
numbers and types of symptoms, secondly to prove the reproducibility of
symptoms elicited during consecutive provings of the
same substance,
utilising the same methodology and thirdly that differences exist between the
symptoms yielded by the placebo and the verum groups
within the same methodology. From testing these hypotheses, the strengths
and weaknesses of
individual methodologies could be identified, as is discussed below, in order
to formulate an integrated methodology presented under section 5.5 in the
previous chapter.
The first methodology,
the C4 proving methodology, is unique because no dose of the medicine is taken
orally. The proving symptoms are based on the experiences of the participants
during the trituration process, thus
requiring provers who are familiar with trituration,
as well as those who are sensitive enough to notice the subtle changes brought
about during the proving.
The
C4 proving is mainly limited to the four hours during which the trituration takes place, and consequently few symptoms are
experienced once the trituration have been completed.
The limitation of this method lies in the fact that the development of more
insidious symptoms are limited to those provers who
are very sensitive to the substance and would react to the olfactory mode of
medicine administration. It also confirmed Sherr‘s
(1994: 16-7) observation that provings offering a
short cut to an inner essence lack the larger totality of physical, general and
long term symptoms.
The advantages of this
methodology also lie in the short duration of the proving, which would inspire
better compliance from the provers. Provers are also more willing to participate due to the
relative scarcity of long term effects.
The Sherr
proving methodology was the second methodology identified and is modelled on
the methodology proposed in The
Dynamics and Methodology of Homoeopathic Provings (Sherr, 1994). This methodology represents an updated
version of the methodology developed by Hahnemann and is able to accommodate a
21st century life style.
In the application of
this methodology, provers take several oral doses of
the proving substance, usually six doses during a 48 hour time span, but
discontinue the administration of doses as soon as proving symptoms develop.
The duration of the proving varies according to the nature of the proving
substance, but normally lasts for four to six weeks.
The limitations of this
methodology rest in the strict inclusion criteria which excludes a large
proportion of the female population due to the fact that the use of oral
contraceptives is prohibited. The longer duration also caused potential
participants to be hesitant to enlist, as life has to be put on hold for the
duration of the proving in favour of a moderate lifestyle.
The
Sherr methodology has however been used extensively
and has proved its worth as an efficient and scientifically acceptable method,
complying with most of the ICCH regulation regarding provings
and the ethics of provings. It is also placebo controlled,
which makes it admissible under phase one clinical trials.
The final methodology,
the Dream proving methodology, represents the sentiments of group provings, seminar provings and
meditative provings, where the minimum dosages are
administered and most of the proving takes place in the subconscious mind,
represented by dreams and imagery. It can be adjusted to suit any time frame
and is less rigorous in its application. It has thus gained popularity among
those who do not want to be limited by a scientific method.
The disadvantage lies in
the fact that this makes standardisation of the method nearly impossible,
especially since even the dosages are non-standardised, ranging from olfaction
to oral dosages. During the application of this methodology, attempts were made
to standardise the posology in order to limit the
variables and make it comparable with the other two methodologies. The once
daily dose, however, produced markedly less symptoms, leading
to the conclusion that
more frequent repetition is needed to ensure that a proving response is
elicited.
In applying these
methodologies in the proving of Protea cynaroides, the purpose was to test the four stated
hypotheses:
Hypothesis one: Proving
symptoms are reproducible when applying identical proving methodologies in
consecutive years.
The
results of the statistical tests presented in Chapter 4 reflected a reasonable
level of reproducibility, but highlighted the fact that different provers would result in different symptoms due to their
individual susceptibility and sensitivity to the proving substance. There was,
however, not one of the groups that exhibited a reproducibility level of less
than 50%, leading to the conclusion that the symptoms produced in consecutive
years while applying
the
same methodology is comparable. This effectively proves the first hypothesis.
Hypothesis two: Some
proving methodologies are more effective in yielding proving symptoms than
others, in terms of number, type and quality of symptoms elicited.
The discussion around
the chapter affinity of the different methodologies presented under section 5.4
illustrated that it is indeed the case. Strong chapter affinities were
observable when applying the C4 and Sherr proving
methodologies. The C4 methodology seems to favour the chapters dealing with the
senses, evident in the Ear, Eye, Hearing, Mouth, Nose, Skin and Vision chapters
where the C4 rubrics were more prevalent than the Sherr
rubrics. The Sherr methodology was evident in
the remainder of the chapters, indicating the wide applicability of this
methodology.
The Dream methodology
indicated the least amount of chapter affinities, eliciting mainly Mind, Dream
and General symptoms, but not as prominently as these chapters feature under
the application of the Sherr methodology. From this
study it is thus evident that different methodologies yield different types of
symptoms.
Hypothesis three: A
distinct difference exists between the symptoms yielded by the placebo and verum groups within the same methodology.
The
investigation into the differences existing between the symptoms yielded by the
placebo and the verum groups within the Sherr proving methodology, proved the hypothesis to be
true, as discussed in section 5.2, and is evident in the number of rubrics
produced by each section. The verum portion elicited
63% of the total rubrics compared to the placebo portion which only elicited
28%. Placebo provers thus elicit far less symptoms
during the proving process than verum provers, proving that homoeopathic drug provings
are not a placebo response, but that the administration of the medicine results
in the development of clearly observable symptoms in the participants. The
presence of proving symptoms within the placebo group, however, may lend
support to the theories as to the group/field effect (Norland,
1999) and quantum entanglement (Lewith et al., 2006; Milgrom, 2007; Walach et al.,
2004), bringing into question the usefulness of including placebo provers in the sample. It rather supports Jansen‘s (2008)
suggestion that provers act as their own control by
comparing the symptoms elicited during the proving to those experienced in the
pre-proving diarisation period.
Hypothesis four: In
studying the relative effectiveness of proving methodologies it is possible to
develop an integrated methodology. From the data gathered during this
investigation, clear conclusions could be drawn regarding the relative
effectiveness of the three methodologies employed. This data was sufficient to
allow for the development of an integrated methodology, as presented in the
previous chapter under section 5.5, that would aid in the conduction of
reproducible and scientifically verifiable proving.
As
assumed, the proving did produce clearly observable symptoms in healthy provers. The symptoms gathered through the application of
the methodologies were also comprehensive enough to develop a complete materia medica and
repertory for Protea cynaroides.
Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.